For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment- #Accelerate Action
Gender Equity Committee of the Asia Pacific YMCA Commemorated of International Women's Day 2025: For ALL Women and Girls - Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
The celebration of International Women’s Day in 2025 was met with great enthusiasm by various organizations and institutions under the theme: For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Among the many commemorative events, the Gender Equity Committee (GEC) of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) organized a special webinar emphasizing the acceleration of this theme. The webinar took place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 6:00 PM HKT via Zoom.
Organizers, Participants, and Resource Persons
The webinar was attended by approximately 60 participants from 22 YMCA’s across Asia and the Pacific. Originally planned for 1.5 hours, the session was extended to two hours due to the enthusiasm and engagement of both the speakers and participants in the discussions.
This event was made possible through the teamwork of the GEC, led by Ms. Marshia Mili Gomes and Ms. Sunita Suna. GEC members, representing various YMCA’s in the Asia-Pacific region, played significant roles in both the preparation and execution of the webinar. Their contributions included serving as the master of ceremony, leading the opening prayer, lighting a symbolic lamp, moderating the discussion, introducing speakers, and closing the session with prayer.
APAY's active support was evident throughout the event, with Secretary General Nam Boo Won delivering opening remarks. He expressed pride in APAY’s commitment to gender justice, emphasizing that it has been integrated into all APAY policies.
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Keynote Address
Dr. Ann Thomas delivered a compelling presentation on the theme. She explained that gender is shaped by social constructs, social relations, and power dynamics. Dr. Ann stressed the importance of equity, equal opportunities, and justice for both men and women. She highlighted the biological differences between men and women as something to be celebrated rather than used to justify inequality.
To accelerate progress, she emphasized the need for gender sensitivity and mainstreaming. She introduced two key concepts:
Women in Development (WID) – focusing on centering women and girls and bringing them into the mainstream.
Gender in Development (GID) – addressing disparities in social, economic, political, and cultural aspects between men and women.
The ultimate goal of both WID and GID, she concluded, is holistic development.
Panel Discussion: Stories of Women’s Achievements, Challenges, and Hopes for the Future
The panel discussion featured four distinguished female leaders from the YMCA:
Ms. Nagako Okado (Japan)
Ms. Chularat Phongtudsirikul (Thailand)
Ms. Bolortuya Dondovsambuu (Mongolia)
The session was skillfully moderated by Ms. Mei Ling Wu, General Secretary & CEO of YMCA of Singapore.
Each panelist shared insightful experiences regarding gender relations in leadership:
Ms. Nagako emphasized the crucial role of education in accelerating gender balance.
Ms. Chularat highlighted the challenges of decision-making in leadership roles.
Ms. Bolortuya advocated for local YMCA’s to actively promote and implement gender equality.
The discussion narrowed down to three key takeaways: proactiveness, collaboration, and overcoming barriers.
A Well-Structured and Engaging Event
The event followed a well-organized agenda. It commenced with an opening prayer led by Shamila Doris, followed by a candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing hope and enlightenment, conducted by Dr. Betsy Williams. A thought-provoking video presentation further reinforced the theme. The webinar concluded with a closing prayer by Mr. David Wong. Throughout the event, Malik Daniel served as the master of ceremonies, ensuring a seamless flow of activities.
The webinar was a resounding success, inspiring participants to continue working towards gender justice and empowerment. It reinforced the importance of collaboration and action in achieving equality for all women and girls.
By Rev. Jenifer Astin - Indonesia
Gender Equity Committee member, APAY
The International Women’s Day Webinar: A Call to Accelerate Action
Reflection by Malik Daniels
Being the MC of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs’ International Women’s Day Webinar, I saw something amazing. On March 10, 2025, 60 people from 22 countries came together to talk about Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for women and girls. It wasn’t just a meeting it was a call for action. Everyone agreed that we need to move faster to make sure women have the same rights, chances, and power as men.
The theme, “Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls,” was at the heart of every talk. Starting the event, I felt everyone’s energy and hope. We began with a lamp lighting symbolizing light over darkness, and it was a perfect start to a day full of big ideas.
A shocking moment came when Dr. Ann Thomas shared that, at today’s pace, women won’t have equal rights until 2158, that’s 133 years from now. Her message was clear: we can’t wait. We must act now to break down the old systems holding women back.
Hearing stories from YMCA women leaders was inspiring. Ms. Nagako Okado (Japan), Ms. Chularat Phongtudsirikul (Thailand), and Ms. Bolortuya Dondovsambuu (Mongolia) shared their fights for change. Bolortuya, the first woman to lead Mongolia’s YMCA, showed how important it is for women to lead even when society doubts them.
The talks about hidden biases, stereotypes, and the power of education stuck with me. Ms. Mei Ling Wu the Panel moderator stressed that education isn’t just about books, it’s about changing minds so women can succeed. Nagako’s work helping landmine survivors in Cambodia reminded us that fairness for women ties into bigger issues like poverty and war.
The group didn’t just talk, they made plans. Ideas included reserving more board seats for women and young people, and helping women who move to other countries for work. Aiming for 50% women on YMCA boards in 10 years is bold, but necessary. Equality isn’t just a nice idea, it’s something we do and should do.
Ending the event, Dr. My Hanh gave a vote of thanks, and Mr. David Wong's closing words left us hopeful. Even though we’re from different places, we’re united for equality.
As the MC, I was also deeply moved by the collective commitment to action. It showed me how powerful teamwork is, and why lifting women’s voices matters. Let’s keep this energy alive. Change starts in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
To everyone who joined from Australia to Vietnam, Nigeria to Nepal, and beyond, thank you. Your stories and drive made this event special. And to Ms. Sunita and the GEC team, none of this happens without you. Together, we can build a world where every woman and girl grows strong.
Happy International Women’s Day!
—Malik Daniels
MC, Asia & Pacific YMCA Women’s Day Webinar 2025
Member of the Gender Equity Committee