March 6, 2025 – Despite ASEAN’s commitment to gender equality, its 15 secretary-generals have all been men. As Indonesia prepares to nominate the next candidate in 2028, calls for a female leader at the helm are growing louder.

A Persistent Gender Gap

ASEAN’s charter explicitly states that gender equality should be considered in the selection of the secretary-general. Yet, the position has remained exclusively male-led throughout the organization’s 50-year history. Current Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn of Cambodia followed the traditional selection route, emerging from a small pool of foreign affairs officials.

For gender inclusivity advocates, this pattern must change. “What we are trying to say is that we should consider a more open and inclusive process,” said Apichai Suchindah, a veteran development specialist.

Momentum for Change

An op-ed published in The Jakarta Post by Apichai, Sharon Seah of Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and scientist Dr. Dewi Fortuna Anwar reignited discussions. The piece suggested that ASEAN should begin sensitizing its member states about the gender disparity in leadership, proposing public workshops and surveys to drive awareness.

Indonesian researcher Mutiara Indriani echoed these calls, arguing that female leadership is critical as the Indo-Pacific faces economic and geopolitical instability. “Gender equality is not just a moral imperative. It is a strategic necessity,” said Mutiara, a PhD candidate at the Australian National University.

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Why Now?

ASEAN has made strides in gender initiatives, including the 2021 ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework. However, data shows persistent inequality:

• Only 23% of seats in ASEAN national parliaments are held by women, trailing the global average of 27%.
• Only one out of four ASEAN deputy secretaries-general is female.
• In ASEAN’s director positions, men outnumber women 10 to 2.

A Difficult Road Ahead

Advocates point to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as a precedent. ESCAP appointed its first female executive secretary in 2007 and has since had two more women in the role.

However, ASEAN operates on consensus, and its leadership remains male-dominated. “Even if Indonesia appoints a woman, she will still have to navigate a multilateral system where men hold the majority of power,” Apichai noted.

Yet, experts believe qualified female candidates exist. Potential names include:

• Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s former foreign affairs minister and current UN special envoy on water.
• Sri Mulyani Indrawati, former World Bank managing director.
• Adelina Kamal, an ASEAN veteran in humanitarian and disaster management.

Next Steps

Supporters argue that ASEAN must rethink its selection process. “Beyond just appointing a female leader, we need to strengthen the ASEAN secretary-general role and promote more inclusive leadership,” said Sita Zimpel of the German development agency GIZ.

With Indonesia set to nominate the next secretary-general in 2028, the window for change is now open. Will ASEAN finally break its gender barrier?

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