Politics · Philippines Bureau
Marcos urges Asean women leaders to expand influence across region
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on women throughout Southeast Asia to assert greater leadership roles and claim their rightful place in advancing the region's development. The appeal came during his address at the 4th Asean Women Leaders' Summit held in Mandaluyong City.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged women across Southeast Asia to intensify their efforts to lead and secure expanded influence as the region pursues economic and social progress. Speaking at the 4th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Women Leaders' Summit in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Marcos highlighted the critical contributions women make to advancing Asean's collective agenda.
The summit brings together female leaders and changemakers from across the 10-member bloc to discuss strategies for enhancing women's participation in key decision-making areas. The gathering reflects growing regional focus on gender equality and women's empowerment as essential components of sustainable development.
Asean member states have increasingly recognized that economic growth, political stability, and social progress depend on leveraging the full potential of women in leadership positions across government, business, and civil society. The Philippines, as chair of various regional initiatives, has positioned itself as a champion of gender-inclusive policies within the bloc.
The summit discussions are expected to address barriers women face in accessing leadership roles and identify concrete measures to strengthen women's representation in Asean's policy-making institutions and regional cooperation frameworks.