NEWS & EVENTS
NCWP to Host 21st ACWO Biennial General Assembly and Confederation Council Meeting
A landmark event for women in the ASEAN region is about to unfold as the National Council of Women of the Philippines (NCWP) prepares to host the 21st ACWO Biennial General Assembly and Confederation Council Meeting on November 8, 2024 at the historic The Manila Hotel.
On November 8, 2024, women leaders from across ASEAN will converge at the prestigious Manila Hotel in the Philippines for the 21st ACWO (ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organizations) Biennial General Assembly and Confederation Council Meeting. This year’s gathering carries the theme “Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Building a Safer and Inclusive Digital ASEAN”, underscoring the need to equip women with essential skills and knowledge in a rapidly digitalizing region.
Hosted by the National Council of Women of the Philippines (NCWP) in collaboration with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), this event will highlight both the progress and challenges facing ASEAN women in the digital age. Attendees will engage in seminars, discussions, and collaborative sessions designed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and digital competency, while celebrating ASEAN’s commitment to women’s empowerment across all sectors. Additionally, the assembly will feature a symbolic leadership handover, as the Philippines transitions the ACWO presidency to Vietnam, marking a significant milestone in ASEAN’s journey toward unity and gender equity.
The event will begin with welcoming remarks from key leaders in ASEAN’s women’s and cybersecurity sectors:
- Dr. Cecilia La Madrid-Dy, President of ACWO and NCWP, who has championed women’s rights and development in the ASEAN region, will set the tone for the assembly by highlighting recent strides in women’s empowerment and the challenges ahead.
- Undersecretary Alexander K. Ramos, Undersecretary of the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC),
- Assistant Secretary Mary Rose E. Magsaysay, Executive Director of CICC
A key highlight of the morning session will be the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the launch of new cybersecurity courses specifically tailored for women. Developed in collaboration with the CICC, these courses will aim to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to navigate the online world safely and confidently. Furthermore, a symbolic “Pledge to Fight Cybercrime” will provide a platform for attendees to publicly declare their commitment to online safety and digital responsibility.
The assembly will then dive into a series of engaging panel discussions and lectures. “Breaking Barriers: Women Leaders Shaping ASEAN Cybersecurity Policies” will explore the unique challenges and triumphs of women making strides in the cybersecurity field, advocating for greater representation and inclusivity. Ms. Michelle Bautista-Tañada, Director at NCWP and Executive Vice-President of Alpha Distinct Development Solutions Inc., will lead a discussion on “Upcycling Waste for Women’s Livelihood Programs,” showcasing how environmental sustainability can go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment for women. Another panel discussion, “Collaborative Cybersecurity Strategies Across ASEAN,” will bring together experts from across the region to share best practices and foster greater cooperation in addressing cybersecurity threats.
The afternoon session will continue with valuable lectures aimed at equipping women with essential skills for the modern world. Ms. Mylene Abiva, Chairman and CEO of Abiva Publishing and Founding Chairman of Philippine Women in Business, will present on the vast opportunities in e-commerce for female entrepreneurs in ASEAN. Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross, will then lead a discussion on the vital role women play as leaders in community disaster mitigation.
The day will culminate in a Gala Night and Handover Ceremony. Dr. Cecilia La Madrid-Dy will deliver her valedictory address, reflecting on her tenure as ACWO President and celebrating the achievements of the organization. The leadership will then be officially passed to Dr. Tran Lan Phuong of Vietnam, symbolizing a new chapter for ACWO. A vibrant “ASEAN Tapestry Fashion Gala” will showcase traditional attire from each member country, highlighting the cultural richness and unity of the ASEAN region.
This 21st ACWO Biennial General Assembly and Confederation Council Meeting promises to be a pivotal event, empowering women, strengthening collaborations, and advancing the collective vision of a more inclusive and digitally secure ASEAN community.