'Keep demanding space:' Marcos highlights ASEAN women's role in economy, innovation

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored on Tuesday the significance of women’s leadership and representation in driving ASEAN's economy and innovation, urging them to keep asserting their place in leadership.

In his speech at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit, Marcos pointed out that women remain underrepresented in the Cabinets and parliaments of ASEAN member states.

“For decades, women across Southeast Asia have sustained our families, strengthened our communities, driven our economies, and yet their contributions have too often been undervalued,” Marcos said.

“That must change. Women are not simply beneficiaries of our progress. They are leaders and innovators, shaping ASEAN’s future, and our policies, institutions, and investments must reflect this,” he added.

Marcos said the underrepresentation of women in national and regional dialogues reflects not only a gap in representation, but a gap in the perspectives that shape key policy decisions across the region.

“Our work is far from complete. Women remain underrepresented in the Cabinets and Parliaments of ASEAN member states. This is not simply a gap in representation; it is a gap in leadership in whose voices shape the decisions that affect our region,” the President said.

He urged women leaders to never stop leading and pushing forward their sector’s regional agenda and calls.

“To our women leaders in governance, civil society, business, and technology: Keep leading, keep demanding space, keep pushing our region forward,” Marcos said.

“Together, let us shape an ASEAN where equality is not just a policy target, but a lived daily reality for every woman and child,” he added.

Marcos also mentioned the ASEAN Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, emphasizing that having women at the decision-making table makes peace agreements “more durable and rebuilding is more inclusive.”

To further expand women's economic inclusion, Marcos pointed out that the care economy should no longer be overlooked, noting its vital function in sustaining overall economic growth.

“Unpaid care work falls disproportionately on women, restricting their time and opportunity to lead in the formal workforce, especially in the so-called non-traditional fields,” the President said. —LDF, GMA News

“By investing in care infrastructure and redistributing care obligations, we do not just support women, we unlock billions of dollars in economic potential across our region,” he added.

The Philippines holds this year's ASEAN Chairmanship. Last May, it hosted the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, and is set to host the 49th Summit in November. (END)