Marcos urges ASEAN nations to boost women's participation in decision-making
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on ASEAN members to expand women’s roles in leadership, linking gender inclusion to security and prosperity.
At the ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged all ASEAN states to give women greater decision-making authority, describing one outlet shortfall as both a representation and leadership gap. He advocated for larger leadership budgets, concrete measures that open routes to senior positions, and a regional network to support female leaders. Marcos noted that more than 60 million MSMEs in the region are owned or managed by women, yet they face limited capital access and digital skill gaps, prompting the Philippines to push digital financial inclusion under its chairmanship.
He linked women’s participation to stronger peace and security outcomes, citing the ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Agenda. The president also warned about rising gender-based online harassment and called for ASEAN-wide digital safeguards. Finally, he urged members to embed summit commitments into national plans and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Why it matters
Greater female leadership can improve regional security, economic growth, and social inclusion across Southeast Asia.
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