In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the critical importance of gender equal- ity and women’s empowerment to sustainable development, and as a result, increased commitment to institutionalising gender mainstreaming approaches by governments and international and regional or- ganisations. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)now include a dedicated Goal—Goal 5—on gender equality, and in recognition that gender equality is multi-dimensional and integral to other de- velopment outcomes, it is also envisaged that gender equality will be mainstreamed across all the Goals. In addition, the 2030 Agenda pledges to “leave no one behind” and to “endeavour to reach the furthest behind first.”
Addressing gender equality is a stated priority for all ASEAN Member States and for ASEAN. Over the past decade, economic development, government measures, and the efforts of civil society have led to significant improvements in reproductive health, narrowing gender gaps in education and increasing women’s labour force participation. However, the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Global Gender Gap report revealed a mixed record for the Member States. The Philippines was ranked 17th globally, surpassing countries like Japan, Australia, and Canada, and remaining—despite a drop of eight places—the most gender-equal country in Asia.