While women make up half of Southeast Asia’s population, regional efforts to mainstream gender issues so far remain a formidable challenge.

However, notable strides have been made in recent years primarily through the cooperation between UN Women and the ASEAN Committee on Women, as well as the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children with the support of ASEAN donor partners.

In ASEAN’s half-century history, every ASEAN secretary-general (SG) has been male. Kao Kim Hourn from Cambodia is currently the 15th SG whose five-year term will end in three years’ time and it will be Indonesia’s turn to nominate the next candidate for ASEAN’s top post.

Will Indonesia break this male trend by fielding the first female ASEAN SG in 2028?

As ASEAN’s chief administrative officer, the SG must first and foremost demonstrate superb administrative skills. Moreover, s/he should also be well conversant on all subject areas of ASEAN cooperation.

Read more at: https://asianews.network/is-it-finally-time-for-a-female-asean-chief/