This study seeks to better understand linkages between economic integration and gender disparities in the ASEAN region. It identifies the mechanisms through which ASEAN economic integration may create opportunities for accelerating gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in the region. It also identify challenges that may prevent women from taking advantage of these newly created opportunities. The study was jointly commissioned by the ASEAN Secretariat, the UN Women Regional Office for Asia, and the Pacific and the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES), with support from the Australian Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The lessons from this study will be of use to policy makers trade negotiators, private stakeholders and the general public, at the national and regional levels. Recommendations are provided at the regional level to better integrate a gender inclusive approach in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) post-2015 and for Member States to address gender inequalities in key ASEAN priority sectors.
