DFA Assistant Secretary Exhorts Young Women to Take up Leadership Roles at Webinar

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever M. Mahilum-West shares her experience as a diplomat during the webinar “Women in IR: Empowerment in Motion” organized by the European Studies Association of De La Salle University on 22 May 2021. (DLSU photo)

26 May 2021 – 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 inadvertently widen existing inequalities.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the German Embassy in Manila Laura Oexle also spoke at the event, and said the Philippines’ ratio of female diplomats is laudable by European standards. She also and detailed the German government’s own efforts to put women’s and gender issues in the mainstream.

Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Saskia de Lang also participated, highlighting the real tangible value that women bring with their particular approach in handling critical issues. 

Deputy of the Portuguese Parliament Joacine Katar Moreira shared her own unique journey as a woman of color and disability in her country’s legislature, highlighting a progressive anti-racism agenda. She said that women should mutually help each other in a collective “sorority,” and that a more multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society is necessary to ensure effective equality. 

The webinar aimed to build a deeper understanding of women in International Relations and was organized by the European Studies Association (ESA), an accredited student organization of De La Salle University. Over 150 participants attended the webinar. END

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Junever M. Mahilum-West delivers her discussion about women empowerment in ASEAN. (DLSU photo)