Like elsewhere, women in politics in the countries that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) struggle for the same space, voice and influence as men. This is a problem. If women are not equally represented in decision-making, government policies will be unresponsive or detrimental to the needs of women and girls.
What is more, countries without inclusive, equal political participation and leadership are held back from harnessing the wider developmental benefits of equitable politics. These include improved health and social outcomes for society at large.
Across the region, the barriers to women’s equal leadership and participation are systemic and complex. They include obstacles preventing prospective women candidates from entering politics and discrimination, harassment and violence against women in politics.
The objectives of our programme advancing women's equality in ASEAN countries is to advance equality in politics and wider society in the region. We are doing this by helping to create a more enabling environment for politically active women to participate and exercise leadership in national, local and regional politics.
The programme, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada and was announced as part of Canadian commitments made at the 2021 Summit for Democracy, is supporting a world in which:
To achieve this, we are working with politically active women and their allies. Our programme will benefit:
