“Mapping the Critical Role of ACWC, CSOs, and Academia” and “ASEAN Post-2025 Vision Consultation”

A seminar titled “Mapping the Critical Role of ACWC, CSOs, and Academia” was held on November 1, 2024, at The Manohara Hotel Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This landmark event provided a significant platform for dialogue on collaborative strategies to advance the protection of women and children in Southeast Asia. Organized with the generous support of the Netherlands Embassy, the seminar brought together a wide-ranging audience that included policymakers, academics, civil society representatives, and inspiring young changemakers.

The event opened with a series of keynote speeches that established the thematic focus for the day. Karen Hordijk, Senior Policy Advisor for ASEAN from the Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta, set an inspiring tone with a thought-provoking address. She emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping inclusive and resilient policies. Her speech underscored the importance of leveraging intergenerational perspectives to address complex societal challenges. This was followed by a recorded message from Dr. Wawan Mas’udi, M.P.A., the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Dr. Wawan stressed the importance of adaptive policy frameworks, particularly in crisis situations, which require innovative approaches and collaborative partnerships.

The seminar featured a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers, each offering invaluable perspectives on critical issues related to the welfare and rights of women and children. H.E. Soukphaphone Phanit, the Chair of the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children (ACWC), delivered a compelling presentation on women’s leadership in navigating crises. Her insights highlighted the necessity of empowering women to take active roles in decision-making processes, especially during periods of social and political instability.

Following this, Dr. Okky Puspa Madasari, the Founder of OMGGroup, illuminated the power of storytelling in advocacy efforts. She demonstrated how personal narratives can drive societal change and inspire collective action. H.E. Yanti Kusmawardhani, Indonesia’s Representative for ACWC, presented practical measures to enhance the safeguarding of children, particularly in vulnerable situations. Her session emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive policies and robust enforcement mechanisms.

Adding to these rich discussions, Ni Luh Putu Maitra Agastya, Director of PUSKAPA (Center on Child Protection and Wellbeing), shared innovative strategies for improving child welfare through institutional capacity-building and community engagement. Meanwhile, Agustina Kustulasari, S.Pd., M.A., a Lecturer and Researcher, highlighted the indispensable role of academia in advancing rights protection. She pointed to the need for interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy recommendations to inform decision-making processes.

The sessions were expertly moderated by Yulida Nuraini Santoso, Managing Director of the ASEAN Study Center (ASC) at UGM, who ensured an engaging flow of discussions. The day concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to pose questions to the panelists, exchange ideas, and delve deeper into the topics presented. This interactive session enriched the dialogue and fostered a shared commitment to action.

The final session of the day, titled “ASEAN Post-2025 Vision Consultation,” served as a forward-looking platform to shape the region’s strategic priorities for the future. The consultation was facilitated by notable experts, including H.E. Yanti Kusmawardhani, Indiah Wahyu Andari (Director of Rifka Annisa), Dr. Arifah Rahmawati (member of ASEAN Women for Peace Registry), and Dio Herdiawan Tobing (from the World Benchmarking Alliance). Together, they guided participants in exploring ways to integrate diverse stakeholder voices into policymaking processes. Discussions emphasized the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation in addressing the region’s evolving challenges.

Overall, the seminar succeeded in fostering meaningful dialogue, encouraging cross-sector collaboration, and inspiring actionable solutions. It reaffirmed the importance of collective effort in advancing the rights and well-being of women and children while laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive ASEAN.