Kuala Lumpur: The concept of ‘Sheconomy’ must be made a core part of the future economic agenda of ASEAN to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth by fully harnessing the potential of women in the region, said the President of the ASEAN Women’s Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, Datin Dr. Hartini Osman.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Hartini stated that the ASEAN economic landscape needs to move across borders by adapting gender-responsive policies and integrated cooperation models that empower women not only in entrepreneurship but also in leadership, public policy, education, and innovation. She highlighted that women form a significant segment of the ASEAN population, yet face structural challenges that limit their full participation in the economy. The ‘Sheconomy’ approach aims to bridge this gap by providing a platform for the advancement and recognition of women across various levels and sectors.
Dr. Hartini was a guest on the program ASEAN: ‘From Kuala Lumpur to the World’, produced and broadcast by Bernama TV, where she discussed the upcoming WEF ASEAN event from June 19 to 21. The forum aims to create a cross-border economic ecosystem emphasizing dignity, inclusivity, and data-driven policies, with gender equality as a central principle. She stressed the necessity of preparing women to lead in an era dominated by innovation, digitalization, and sustainable business models.
She also underscored the importance of fostering a collaborative culture where men act as allies and supporters of women’s economic empowerment, especially within micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Dr. Hartini mentioned the “Connect and Collaborate 100 Days” program, initiated on March 3, which involves global discussions on various issues and will culminate in a special roundtable session during the WEF ASEAN on June 20 to discuss findings and policy recommendations.
Other initiatives under the ‘Connect and Collaborate 100 Days’ program include a 100-day industrial training program, partnerships with universities and regional communities for the Dream Scholarship sponsorship, and entrepreneurship pathways targeting young women and high-potential leaders in ASEAN. Dr. Hartini affirmed that ‘Sheconomy’ is not a peripheral concept but a primary driver of the future ASEAN economy, aiming for an inclusive and interconnected economic framework.