President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on ASEAN member-states to expand women’s participation in leadership and decision-making, saying women should play a central role in advancing the region’s security, resilience and inclusive prosperity.
Speaking at the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Mandaluyong City, Marcos said women should be recognized not only as beneficiaries of development but also as leaders and innovators involved in shaping policies, institutions and investments. The summit forms part of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairship and regional efforts on women’s leadership and gender equality.
“Women’s leadership is not optional to our regional agenda. It is the core driver of our security, resilience and prosperity,” Marcos said.
He also cited the continued underrepresentation of women in government leadership and called for stronger pathways to decision-making positions and greater regional cooperation among women leaders.
Marcos highlighted the role of women-led micro, small and medium enterprises in Southeast Asia and called for wider access to financing, digital skills and markets.
The President urged ASEAN governments to translate commitments made during the summit into concrete policies, programs and budget decisions.
“Declarations and summits are certainly valuable, but action is our true currency,” Marcos said.
The summit, held from September 29 to October 1, carries the theme “Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Prosperity in the ASEAN Region” and is expected to produce a joint ministerial statement guiding regional commitments toward ASEAN’s post-2025 vision.
