Program Background

Women remain underrepresented in politics. While gender quotas put into policies boosted the number of women in legislative bodies in Southeast Asia, its effectiveness in achieving genuine equality is debated, as they often lead to symbolic representation rather than substantive empowerment (UN Women, 2024). Genuine equality requires more than symbolic inclusion; it requires resources, mentorship, and networks that enable women to lead with confidence and impact.

In this regard, the Women’s Caucus of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) intends to make its contribution to the achievement of gender parity in the field of politics by launching a six month-long Asian Women Education (AWE) Mentorship Program. As its core, the program recognizes the ability of women for self-empowerment and the power of woman-to-woman mentorship in encouraging more women to enter politics.

Meet our Mentors (Swipe left to see more)

    JG

    Jasyln Go - Chairperson, CALD Women’s Caucus| Singapore Democratic Party (SDP)

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
    Alyssa Chiu

    Alysa Wen-li Chiu - Vice Chairperson, CALD Women’s Caucus| Deputy Director, Department of International Affairs, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
    Beng

    Cyrille “Beng” Abueg-Zaldivar - Former Member, House of Representatives| Vice President, LP Women’s Caucus, Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP)

    © Friedrich Naumann Foundnation for Freedom  

The Launch

The mentorship journey officially begins with the Asian Women Education (AWE) Mentorship Program Launch, organized by CALD in partnership with the Democrat Party of Thailand (DP), with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Asia (FNF Asia), scheduled to take place on 18-21 June 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

This three-day kick-off event lays the groundwork for the entire mentorship journey. More than just an orientation, it is designed to ignite connection, foster meaningful reflection, and ground participants in a shared sense of purpose. By the end of the launch, mentees should be able to:

  • Reflect on their own personal leadership journey, their motivations and purpose, and values and principles.
  • Understand power and how this manifest in our daily lives and its role in leadership and governance
  • Develop skills and knowledge on Transformative Feminist Leadership
  • Explicate and internalize the Cs of feminist governance to ensure participants can embody and advocate for these principles in their leadership roles.

Through a dynamic blend of workshops, dialogues, and inspiring engagements, the launch will serve as a powerful foundation for the months ahead - paving the way for  a transformative journey of learning, mentorship, and impactful growth.

2026 Leadership Coaches

2026 Leadership Coaches

© Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

Community Exposure

Community exposure is at the heart of the Asian Women Education (AWE) Mentorship Program. It brings mentees closer to the lived realities, challenges, and experiences that shape women’s participation in political and public life. It is a space to understand leadership beyond the individual and to see how personal experiences, powerful narratives, and collective action can come together to create meaningful democratic change.

This year's community exposure is expected to host in Rizal and Quezon City of the Philippines from September 10-14 2026. 

Through exchanges with women leaders from local government, academe, and communities, mentees are encouraged to listen, reflect, and connect Transformative Feminist Leadership with real-world practice.