APEC forum urges advancing women's economic status

Representatives from 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies gathered in Shanghai to forge new commitments to advancing women's economic empowerment across the Asia-Pacific region.

The 2026 APEC Women and the Economy Forum, which opened on Friday, brought together more than 200 participants from government departments, businesses, academia, the APEC Secretariat and related organizations.

Discussions focused on practical measures to accelerate women's economic participation and leadership amid digital transformation, green growth and rapidly shifting labor markets across the region.

Shen Yiqin, president of the All-China Women's Federation, emphasized APEC's long-standing commitment to gender equality across all areas of cooperation. She said the Women and the Economy Forum has served as a vital platform for helping women overcome development barriers and create shared opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

"We need more determined efforts and stronger actions to create better environments for women's growth and development," Shen said, calling for advances in the high-quality development of women's causes, stronger protection of women's rights and enhanced practical cooperation among women across the Asia-Pacific.

Michelle O'Byrne, Australia's ambassador for gender equality, underscored the economic benefits of women's full participation.

"When women can participate fully in economies, they do better, countries and regions do better," she said, highlighting Australia's commitment to creating safe technological environments where women can achieve their potential.

O'Byrne praised China's role in hosting the forum and stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation.

"The key thing is that all women get to have their voices heard. It is important to create space for women's leadership, women's knowledge and women's expertise," she said.

Malaysia has taken legislative steps to support women in the workforce, according to Datuk Dr Maziah Binti Che Yusoff, secretary-general of the country's Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

The country implemented an anti-sexual harassment law in 2022, extended maternity leave to 98 days and introduced seven-day paternity leave for the first time.

"We're creating an ecosystem not just to encourage women to participate in the labor market, but to provide the right environment for them to progress," she said, noting Malaysia's efforts to support women entering nontraditional sectors, including the green economy and technology-driven industries.

"Women's rights are human rights," said Diane Kambanei, director of Papua New Guinea's National Gender-Based Violence Secretariat.

"In a society where women get to thrive and grow, economies and communities are definitely better for it," she said.

Addressing younger women, Kambanei said: "The sky is the limit. If you have a dream, whatever you want to be, pursue education. In spaces you enter, sometimes you may be the only woman in that room. But remember that your voice must always speak for others who can't come into the room — other women and girls who may not have the opportunity."

The forum's public-private dialogue sessions examined women's roles in technological innovation and economic cooperation. Discussions explored how women can capitalize on opportunities arising from innovation-driven development, particularly in the digital economy and artificial intelligence sectors, while contributing to regional economic cooperation and integration.

Participants also visited sites in Shanghai showcasing Chinese women's contributions to urban development, technological innovation and community governance.

Established in 2011, the annual forum serves as APEC's primary platform for member economies to share experiences and develop measures to help women seize new opportunities while addressing emerging challenges in the rapidly evolving economic landscape.