ASEAN Leaders Strengthen Commitment
to Gender Equality, Empowerment, and Protection of Women and Children

Representatives from ASEAN Member States gathered on November 11, 2025, for the 12th consultation meeting of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC) and the ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW). The meeting brought together leaders and delegates to discuss strategies for promoting gender equality, protecting children, and empowering women across the region.

Co-chairs H.E. Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women and Philippine Representative to AMMW, and H.E. Dr. Amaryllis Tiglao-Torres, Professor Emeritus at the College of Social Work and Community Development, University of the Philippines, and ACWC Vice-Chair on behalf of the ACWC Chair, Malaysia, emphasized the importance of ASEAN collaboration in addressing persistent challenges affecting women and children. Reflecting this commitment, H.E. Valdeavilla stressed that gender equality is not merely a privilege, but a fundamental right, calling on all members to work together:

“As we proceed with this meeting, let us remind ourselves again that gender equality is not a favor nor an accommodation that we ask for — it is a right we must defend, and an enabling foundation upon which the prosperity and peace of ASEAN will flourish. Let’s talk about collaboration over silos; action over rhetoric; and a future where every ASEAN woman and girl stands equal, safe, and empowered,” H.E. Valdeavilla said.

During the consultation, ASEAN Member States reviewed progress on the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (RPA on EVAW) and reaffirmed their commitment to completing the End-Term Review by early 2026, ahead of its submission to the 48th ASEAN Summit. Discussions also focused on advancing inclusive policies, including measures to prevent online gender-based violence and ensure disability-inclusive approaches in programs for women and children.

Participants agreed on the importance of operationalizing the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework, promoting gender perspectives across all ASEAN community pillars, and supporting capacity-building programs for frontline responders addressing trafficking and child marriage. Updates were shared on regional initiatives, including the integration of gender equality and social inclusion in climate action planning, women’s economic empowerment, regional campaign against online gender-based violence, and the strengthening of the care economy, reflecting women’s critical role in post-pandemic recovery and social protection.

Looking forward to the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN Chairship in 2026, Member States and delegates expressed support to the priorities on gender equality and gender mainstreaming during the Philippines’ term as Chair of ASEAN in 2026, including the development of the ASEAN Declaration on the Gender-Transformative Implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans, establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, and convening of the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit.

The consultation concluded with both ACW and ACWC reaffirming their shared vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable ASEAN Community, where women and children are empowered to thrive, lead, and shape the region’s future. These collective efforts build on ASEAN’s commitment to uphold the rights of women and children, as enshrined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).