MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for expanded representation of women in leadership positions across Southeast Asia on Tuesday, September 29, emphasizing that gender inclusion must serve as a focal point for the regional agenda.
Addressing delegates at the 4th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City, Marcos highlighted the persistent gender disparity within government cabinets and parliaments throughout the bloc.
He asserted that bridging this divide requires concrete strategies to ensure women can actively shape public policy.
”Women remain underrepresented in the Cabinets and Parliaments of ASEAN member-states. This is not simply a gap in representation, it is a gap in leadership in whose voices shape the decisions that affect our region,” Marcos said in his speech.
”So, we must act with greater purpose by building stronger leadership pipelines, advancing measures that open pathways to decision making, and establishing a regional network that connects, supports, and strengthens women leaders all across ASEAN,” Marcos added.
The President acknowledged the vital role women play in strengthening families, local communities, and regional economies, noting that their contributions have historically lacked adequate recognition.
”That must change. Women are not simply beneficiaries of our progress. They are leaders and innovators, shaping ASEAN’s future and our policies, institutions and investments must reflect this,” he said.
Marcos referenced the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Agenda, pointing to women as crucial contributors to preventing conflict and driving community recovery during crises.
”Through the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, ASEAN recognizes women as vital actors in conflict prevention and community recovery. When women sit at the table, peace agreements are more durable and rebuilding is more inclusive,” he added.
Turning to economic issues, Marcos urged member states to remove systemic obstacles that hinder female entrepreneurs, pointing out that women own or manage over 60 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across ASEAN.
He noted that capital constraints and digital skill deficits continue to obstruct their commercial growth.
”In ASEAN, over 60 million MSMEs, the backbone of our domestic markets are owned or managed by women. Yet structural hurdles such as limited capital access and digital skill gaps continue to restrict their scale,” he said.
The President also addressed the rise of online harassment and abuse targeting women and girls.
”We cannot speak of empowerment while our women and girls face harassment and abuse online,” Marcos stressed.
He reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to collaborating with regional partners to establish digital safeguards.
“The Philippines stands with ASEAN in building digital frameworks that keep this frontier a space of opportunity, not of oppression.”
Stressing that high-level dialogues must lead to tangible outcomes, Marcos urged governments to align national legislation, programs, and budgets with ASEAN’s 2045 vision.
”To our women leaders in governance, civil society, business, and technology: Keep leading, keep demanding space, keep pushing our region forward,” Marcos said.
”Together, let us shape an ASEAN where equality is not just a policy target, but a lived daily reality for every woman and child,” he added.
Organized under the theme “Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Prosperity in the ASEAN Region,” the summit convened government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations, youth leaders, and international partners.
The event aims to accelerate regional efforts toward gender equality, governance, innovation, and sustainable development.