As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, it is essential to highlight the progress and challenges faced by women in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Comprising ten diverse nations, ASEAN has made significant strides in promoting gender equality, yet there remains work to be done to ensure that women can fully contribute to and benefit from the region’s economic and social development.
Women’s Role in ASEAN’s Economic Growth
Women are key drivers of ASEAN’s economy, contributing significantly to industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship. According to the ASEAN Gender Outlook, women make up nearly 46% of the labor force, yet they face barriers such as wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and limited access to capital for business ventures.
The rise of digital technology and e-commerce has opened new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in ASEAN. Platforms like Lazada and Shopee have empowered women to start and scale businesses, contributing to the region’s digital economy. However, the gender gap in digital access remains an issue, limiting opportunities for women in rural and marginalized communities.
ASEAN’s Commitment to Gender Equality
ASEAN has taken steps to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through initiatives such as the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) and the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network (AWEN). These programs focus on policy development, capacity-building, and increasing women’s representation in decision-making.
Furthermore, ASEAN countries have adopted national policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. For instance, Vietnam and the Philippines have strong legal frameworks supporting women in leadership, while Indonesia and Malaysia have introduced initiatives to close the gender pay gap (Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, n.d.).
Challenges Women Still Face in ASEAN
Despite progress, women in ASEAN continue to encounter gender-based violence, economic disparity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. In some countries, cultural norms and legal restrictions still hinder women’s participation in politics and leadership roles.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed gender inequalities, disproportionately affecting women in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and informal labor. Many women also faced increased domestic responsibilities, making it harder for them to remain in the workforce.
A Call for Action: Empowering Women for a Stronger ASEAN
On International Women’s Day, it is crucial for ASEAN governments, businesses, and civil society to work together to:
1. Strengthen policies for equal pay and career advancement: Ensuring that women receive fair wages and leadership opportunities.
2. Enhance access to education and digital skills: Bridging the digital divide to empower women in the tech and innovation sectors.
3. Support women entrepreneurs: Providing easier access to financing, mentorship, and market opportunities.
4. Address gender-based violence and discrimination: Implementing stronger protections and legal frameworks to create safer communities for women.
5. Promote women’s representation in politics and leadership: Encouraging more women to take part in governance and decision-making roles.
As ASEAN moves towards a more inclusive and sustainable future, investing in women’s empowerment is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. By breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where women can thrive, ASEAN can unlock its full potential and create a more prosperous and equitable region for all.
References
Adriana, R. (2024, December 5). Empowering Women through Digital Technology. The ASEAN Magazine. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org/article/empowering-women-through-digital-technology/
ASEAN. (2024). Annual Report 2023: Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace. https://wps.asean.org/resources/annual-report-2023-empowering-women-for-sustainable-peace/
ASEAN Gender Outlook 2024 highlights climate change threats to women and girls in Southeast Asia, a warning sign for other regions. (2024, September 27). PreventionWeb. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://www.preventionweb.net/news/asean-gender-outlook-2024-highlights-climate-change-threats-women-and-girls-southeast-asia
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. (n.d.). https://knowascc.asean.org/fact-figure/gender/
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). (2024). Women’s Economic Empowerment and the Care Economy in ASEAN. UN Women Asia and the Pacific | UN Women – Asia-Pacific. Retrieved March 4, 2025, from https://asiapacific.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/08/the-care-economy-in-asean-a-data-snapshot
UN WOMEN FOR ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS. (2024). ASEAN Gender Outlook 2024 highlights climate change threats to women and girls in Southeast Asia, a warning sign for other regions. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news-stories/press-release/2024/09/asean-gender-outlook-2024-highlights-climate-change-threats-to-women-and-girls-in-southeast-asia-a-warning-sign-for-other-regions
