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Advocates Philippines
Dy: ASEAN Women Lawmakers Real Power Matters More Than Mere Presence
Photo credit: Congress PH
Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III is calling on women lawmakers across Southeast Asia to go beyond representation and push for real decision-making power in government.
Speaking during the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians under the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Dy stressed that simply having women in leadership roles is no longer enough.
“Progress is not enough,” Dy said. “We must move beyond gender-responsiveness toward true transformation—reshaping systems, dismantling barriers, and ensuring women have real decision-making power.”
For the Speaker, the goal is clear: inclusion should not just be about numbers, but about actual impact. He emphasized that women should be empowered not only to participate, but to lead, build enterprises, and influence policies that shape society.
The meeting, hosted by the Philippines through a virtual platform, brought together women parliamentarians from across the region to strengthen cooperation on political participation, economic leadership, and inclusive governance. It was originally planned to be held in Bohol but shifted online as part of efforts to manage rising global costs and logistical challenges.
Dy also highlighted the link between women’s leadership and long-term peace in the region.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is trust in institutions and in the future. When women lead, peace becomes more durable,” he said.
He pointed to the country’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security as a concrete example of promoting inclusive governance, adding that laws and policies must reflect real needs and everyday realities.
Looking ahead, Dy urged ASEAN lawmakers to turn commitments into action, particularly under the Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Plan of Action.
“These discussions are not just conversations—they should lead to real outcomes,” he said.
Despite the shift to a virtual format, Dy underscored the resilience of women leaders, saying adaptability in uncertain times is one of their defining strengths.
He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration, while expressing confidence in Ann Matibag of Laguna, whom he appointed as Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians group, to help drive its goals forward.
Speaking during the 5th Meeting of the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians under the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Dy stressed that simply having women in leadership roles is no longer enough.
“Progress is not enough,” Dy said. “We must move beyond gender-responsiveness toward true transformation—reshaping systems, dismantling barriers, and ensuring women have real decision-making power.”
For the Speaker, the goal is clear: inclusion should not just be about numbers, but about actual impact. He emphasized that women should be empowered not only to participate, but to lead, build enterprises, and influence policies that shape society.
The meeting, hosted by the Philippines through a virtual platform, brought together women parliamentarians from across the region to strengthen cooperation on political participation, economic leadership, and inclusive governance. It was originally planned to be held in Bohol but shifted online as part of efforts to manage rising global costs and logistical challenges.
Dy also highlighted the link between women’s leadership and long-term peace in the region.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict—it is trust in institutions and in the future. When women lead, peace becomes more durable,” he said.
He pointed to the country’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security as a concrete example of promoting inclusive governance, adding that laws and policies must reflect real needs and everyday realities.
Looking ahead, Dy urged ASEAN lawmakers to turn commitments into action, particularly under the Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Plan of Action.
“These discussions are not just conversations—they should lead to real outcomes,” he said.
Despite the shift to a virtual format, Dy underscored the resilience of women leaders, saying adaptability in uncertain times is one of their defining strengths.
He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to regional cooperation and collaboration, while expressing confidence in Ann Matibag of Laguna, whom he appointed as Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians group, to help drive its goals forward.
Apr 27, 2026
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