The IYCW ASPAC participated in a significant webinar hosted by IMCS Asia Pacific in celebration of International Women’s Day. This momentous event gathered young people and women from various organizations across the Asia Pacific region to discuss key issues affecting women in society, advocate for gender equality at both the grassroots and global levels and promote women's empowerment.

The discussion highlighted several critical concerns women face, including migration, rising unemployment rates, particularly in underdeveloped and developing countries, and the impacts of climate change. Participants also addressed the persistent lack of understanding of gender equality and the influence of patriarchal norms in society. The gender pay gap was identified as a major workplace discrimination issue, exacerbated by the absence of fair wage policies.

Three panelists working across the Asia Pacific region shared their experiences and insights on the challenges faced by women. They also stressed the importance of engaging men as allies in the fight for gender equality. The panelists emphasized the need to break barriers to women's empowerment, promote women's active participation in policy discussions, and intensify advocacy efforts from grassroots initiatives to international platforms. Strengthening collective actions to achieve gender equality remains crucial in driving lasting change.

Writer: John Brian Geronimo