Up Democracy

Empowering Women in Politics in Southeast and East Asia “Women-Up Democracy” Conference

On October 28th, at the Chatrium Grand Bangkok, more than 150 women leaders, scholars, activists, advocates and students from Southeast and East Asia gathered for the “Women-Up Democracy” conference—a landmark event dedicated to empowering women in political leadership. The conference brought together a unique assembly of voices to confront the ongoing challenges facing female politicians, share powerful stories, and foster a future marked by collaboration and inclusivity. With a rich lineup of speakers and interactive sessions, the event proved to be a dynamic forum where both emerging and established female leaders could envision a more gender-equitable political landscape.

Held in the bustling heart of Bangkok, this one-day conference was purposefully designed to provide a supportive platform for women leaders from diverse backgrounds. The day began with opening remarks by Thekla Ebbert, Regional Programme Manager for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Southeast and East Asia followed by an inspiring welcome address from Katchada Prommachan, Country Director of Westminster Foundation for Democracy who captured the collective spirit of the event, underscoring its significance in strengthening female political representation across the region. Together, they set the stage for a day filled with insight, inspiration, and actionable outcomes.

Panel Discussion - Challenges and Inspiring Strategies Forward

A key moment of the morning was a powerful keynote speech from Leila De Lima, Spokesperson of the Liberal Party of the Philippines and former Senator, whose message, delivered via video, resonated deeply with the audience. De Lima shared her journey, marked by resilience and commitment to public service, and emphasized the strength required of women to persevere in the face of political adversity. Her speech offered a rallying call for solidarity among women, inspiring attendees to champion each other’s success and forge pathways for more inclusive political systems.

The conference’s first main session featured a panel discussion moderated by BBC journalist Panisa Aemocha, in which prominent female politicians shared their experiences, insights, and practical advice on navigating political careers. Malaysian Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh, Korean Parliament Member Sun-woo Kang, and Jaslyn Go, Chairperson of CALD’s Women’s Caucus, each contributed unique perspectives on mental resilience, mutual support, and the power of storytelling. Together, they painted a vibrant picture of the realities faced by women in politics—from overcoming gender biases to championing progressive policies—while offering both motivation and actionable strategies to women who aspire to lead.

World Democracy Cafe

In the afternoon, participants engaged in the World Democracy Café, a lively and interactive session designed to spark in-depth discussions on key issues. This session included five thematic discussion tables covering mentorship, gender-based violence, work-life balance, media representation, and gender-sensitive policy-making. Participants chose three tables, rotating between topics and bringing their unique viewpoints and experiences to the table. Each discussion was guided by a seasoned facilitator, creating a space for sharing insights, building connections, and exploring actionable steps that could drive meaningful change. This session was facilitated by Chompunut Chalieobun, Regional Programme Manager for Westminster Foundation for Democracy Thailand, Wasin Punthon, University Lecturer at Thammasart University, Kwankaow Kongdecha, Researcher Office of Innovation for Democracy King Prajadhipok's Institute, Jaslyn Go, Chairperson for CALD Women's Caucus Cadre Member Singapore Democratic Party, Raiyan Abdul-Rahim, Deputy Chief of Strategy at a National Level at the People's Justic Party (PKR), Benita Nastami, Programme Manager and Researcher for Women Research Institute, and finally Yogeswary Veelo, Treasurer for Lead Up Malaysia. 

This innovative session used the “three-horizon” approach, encouraging attendees to assess both immediate challenges and future possibilities. The round-table format fostered open dialogue, and by the session’s end, facilitators summarised each table’s discussion, allowing attendees to reflect on the shared knowledge and consider how these new insights might influence their paths forward. The structure of this session ensured that participants left the event with a sense of solidarity, ready to take proactive steps toward creating a more inclusive political landscape.

By the day’s close, several important outcomes had emerged. Participants expressed a newfound awareness of the multifaceted challenges that women face in politics across Southeast and East Asia, from gender-based violence to media stereotypes. They left with enhanced networks of support, having forged meaningful connections with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators. Even more significantly, the conference set in motion an action plan that would help women identify and address obstacles in their political journeys, with each participant empowered to apply these strategies within their communities.

The Women-Up Democracy conference succeeded in providing not only inspiration but also tangible support to women leaders and aspiring politicians throughout the region. The event underscored the importance of diverse representation and the vital role that female leaders play in shaping fairer, more responsive political systems. By creating an environment where dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration flourished, the conference marked an important step toward breaking down the barriers to women’s full participation in politics.

As these women continue to drive positive change, events like the Women-Up Democracy conference serve as essential platforms for empowerment, creating a more connected and resilient network of female leaders. Together, these women are not only envisioning a more equitable future—they are actively shaping it, one meaningful connection and shared strategy at a time.

The article was written by Sky Warisala Chatuchinda, Regional Communication Officer for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Southeast and East Asia.