SEA Women’s Leadership Conference: Women, Peace and Security

Peace is stronger when more voices are brought into the light. Women remain underrepresented in decisions on peace, security and conflict prevention, despite experiencing their consequences in distinct ways.

The SEA Women’s Leadership Conference brought together women leaders, policymakers, practitioners and emerging changemakers from across the region during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. Through keynotes, panels and cross-border dialogue, participants exchanged perspectives, built connections and strengthened regional collaboration.

The conference supported the wider Women, Peace and Security agenda, including Malaysia’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2025–2030, which strengthens women’s participation and leadership across peacebuilding, prevention and national security.

It also marked the launch of the Regional Women Leaders Network, creating a platform for those relationships and that cooperation to continue beyond the event. The conversation begins in the room, but its impact travels across borders.

“The conference reminded me that peace and security are not distant policy conversations. They begin with whose experiences are heard, who has a seat at the table, and who gets to shape the decisions that affect our communities.”
Participant