Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever M. Mahilum-West delivers her discussion about women empowerment in ASEAN. (DLSU photo)
PASAY CITY, May 28 DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever M. Mahilum-West called on young women to get involved in leadership roles, during the webinar “Women in IR: Empowerment in Motion” organized by the European Studies Association of De La Salle University on 22 May 2021.
Assistant Secretary Mahilum-West shared her experiences as a woman diplomat, noting the gender balance in the Department and how a significant proportion of senior positions in the Philippine foreign service were occupied by women. She noted ASEAN s role in women empowerment and gender equality, how these dovetail with ASEAN s post-pandemic recovery efforts, and women’s inclusion in COVID-19 response planning and decision-making that helps ensure inclusive and effective plans and policies, focuses on intended beneficiaries, and does not inadvert