Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called upon women leaders across Southeast Asia to actively seek greater representation in governance, business, technology, and civil society. Addressing the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit held in Mandaluyong City, Marcos emphasized the crucial role women play in bolstering regional security, resilience, and economic progress.
During his speech, Marcos underscored the significant contributions women have made to supporting families and local economies. Despite these efforts, he noted that women remain underrepresented in national parliaments and government cabinets within ASEAN member states. This disparity, he argued, highlights the need for increased female participation across various sectors.
Marcos urged the development of policies, institutions, and investments that better reflect and support women’s roles not just as beneficiaries of development but as leaders and innovators shaping Southeast Asia’s future. He stressed the importance of recognizing women as key drivers in the region’s trajectory toward growth and stability.
The Philippine President’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about gender equality and women’s empowerment in the ASEAN region. By advocating for greater representation, Marcos aims to inspire a shift towards more inclusive leadership that leverages the diverse perspectives and talents of women leaders.
As Southeast Asia continues to navigate economic and social challenges, Marcos’s appeal for enhanced female participation underscores a broader push for equality and recognition of women’s contributions to society. His call to action at the summit seeks to galvanize efforts toward achieving a more balanced and equitable representation of women in leadership roles across the ASEAN community.