ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This thematic focus aligns with WFD’s ongoing work on advancing equal societies through women’s political leadership and participation in Southeast Asia and builds on the multi-stakeholder discussions that took place during the launch of WFD’s study on the barriers to women’s political leadership in Southeast Asia on the margins of the 5th BCSMF in December 2022. [...] In this regard, discussions often focus on the presence of women in politics with the aim of having more women take part in politics to challenge the otherwise predominantly male presence and viewpoints in policy-making processes. [...] It is The media sector has recorded limited progress in improving the important for media organisations to ensure gender equality by coverage of women and the representation of women in decision-making diversifying the perspectives applied in the production of their roles in the media industry. [...] gender-sensitive parliaments: the implementation of equal opportunities for women and men to influence internal parliamentary working procedures, the creation of Facilities such as daycare, nurseries, and inclusive room for women’s interests and concerns on the political agenda, and the healthcare centres would help women to participate more production of gender-sensitive legislation. [...] resources to learn about the application of gender Networks of media professionals could help promote wider uptake of gender- sensitivity in news reporting and establish a platform for sensitive reporting in the industry.