More than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, capital market participants, and policymakers from 15 countries gathered to accelerate efforts in turning gender equality commitments into action at the 2025 UN Women Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum. Held on November 18-19 under the theme “Business. Innovation. Impact.”, UN Women organised the event with support from regional projects funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including the Gender Action Lab and WE RISE Together, along with the IFC and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad.
Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, praised the forum’s dedication to advancing gender equality across workplaces, marketplaces, and communities. She highlighted Australia’s support for Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and the importance of shaping inclusive economic systems that recognise women’s diversity. The Asia-Pacific region has made progress, with over 3,000 companies committed to WEPs, guiding better conditions for women workers.
Despite this, women’s labour force participation remains stagnant, and gender gaps persist. Participants discussed megatrends like AI, demographic changes, and green transitions, transforming work and women’s participation. UN Women’s regional leader, Katja Freiwald, said innovation drives progress, making gender equality a catalyst for inclusive growth.
The forum also explored policies that empower women, such as family-friendly and inclusive leadership initiatives. For example, Tale\ntCorp’s work in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia supports workplace reforms that promote care, flexibility, and leadership among women.
Other discussions focused on increasing women’s economic participation in the Mekong Subregion, with the launch of Phase II of WE RISE Together, aiming to foster inclusive procurement opportunities for women entrepreneurs, including those with disabilities.
Also Read: Taliban Trade Minister Visits India to Boost Economic Ties
The Asia-Pacific Sustainable Finance Systems Lab was launched to build gender-responsive capital markets. Judith Green from the World Bank emphasised that stock exchanges can play a pivotal role in removing barriers to women’s economic potential, thereby fostering prosperous societies.
