Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on women leaders in Southeast Asia to amplify their roles in various sectors, emphasizing their significant contributions to regional security, resilience, and economic growth. Speaking at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Marcos urged women to assert their influence and seek greater representation in governance, business, technology, and civil society.
Marcos highlighted the essential roles women have played in supporting families and local economies. Despite their contributions, he noted that women remain underrepresented in national parliaments and government cabinets across ASEAN member states. The president stressed the need for policies, institutions, and investments that better reflect women’s participation and leadership.
During his address, Marcos emphasized that women should be recognized not only as beneficiaries of development but also as leaders and innovators who are instrumental in shaping the future of the region. He called for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges the leadership potential of women in driving progress and development within ASEAN.
The summit served as a platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the region, focusing on enhancing their participation and leadership across different sectors. Marcos’s appeal underscores the ongoing efforts to address gender disparities and promote gender equality in Southeast Asia.