Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on women leaders in Southeast Asia to assert greater influence in governance, business, technology, and civil society. Speaking at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Marcos emphasized the need for women to play a more active role in shaping the region’s future, highlighting their crucial contributions to regional security, resilience, and economic growth.
Marcos noted that despite their significant role in supporting families and local economies, women remain underrepresented in national parliaments and government cabinets across ASEAN member states. He advocated for policies, institutions, and investments that better reflect women’s participation and leadership, urging women to continue seeking greater representation across different sectors.
The President stressed that women should be recognized not only as beneficiaries of development but also as leaders and innovators. By pushing for greater participation, women can help drive progress and address the challenges faced by the region, he suggested.
The ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit provides a platform for discussing the role of women in the development and security of Southeast Asia. Marcos’s call to action encourages women leaders to leverage their potential and influence to foster a more inclusive and equitable regional landscape.