Marcos Calls for Gender Equality as Economic Strategy
Gyeongju, South Korea — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Asia-Pacific leaders to place gender equality at the center of their economic recovery strategies, calling it both a moral responsibility and an essential economic policy.
Speaking at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Hwabaek International Convention Center, Marcos emphasized the need to “strategically invest in women and youth,” describing them as vital to social stability and long-term progress Marcos said, “To be truly connected and resilient, we must also strategically invest in our people, especially women and youth, who are important players in ensuring that society and the economy remain stable.”
Closing the Gender Gap as Smart Economics
The President stressed that empowering women to participate fully in the economy is not only an issue of fairness but also a smart economic move. “Closing the gender gap is not only fair, but it’s also good for business,” he stated.
Citing global research, Marcos said that equal participation for women could contribute up to $28 trillion to global GDP. He challenged APEC economies to implement policies that reduce wage disparities and open more opportunities for women across industries.
Investing in People to Make the Economy Stronger
Marcos underlined that inclusive policies directly contribute to long-term economic strength. He said that ensuring equal access to education, technology, and employment opportunities will make societies more resilient and capable of sustained growth.
He described women and young people as “critical drivers of innovation and productivity” within the Asia-Pacific region, arguing that investing in their potential will lead to a more dynamic and flexible regional economy.
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The Philippines as a Model for Gender Equality
Marcos highlighted the Philippines as a positive example of gender inclusion, noting that men and women in the country enjoy nearly equal educational access. He also mentioned that women are taking on more managerial and leadership positions across sectors.
“Our experience in the Philippines shows that when we empower women, we empower the whole economy,” Marcos said. He encouraged APEC leaders to share best practices and continue collaborating to advance gender equality across the region.
Building Digital Infrastructure for Equal Opportunities
The President emphasized the importance of building resilient digital infrastructure to ensure equal access to opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world. He noted that bridging gender and skill gaps must be part of digital transformation efforts.
He added that developing a “future-ready workforce” requires investing in education, reskilling, and regulatory frameworks that help both women and small enterprises succeed in the digital economy.
Giving Women and MSMEs the Power to Drive Growth
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He said that empowering these groups will “unlock the full potential of the private sector while ensuring inclusivity.”
He concluded by stressing that collaboration among APEC economies is essential for a sustainable and equitable recovery. “A prosperous future must be built on equity, opportunity, and shared progress,” he said.
