AICHR Regional Workshop on Gender Lens Perspective on Business and Human Rights in ASEAN
| Proponent | : | Office of the Representative of Malaysia to the AICHR |
|---|---|---|
| Implementing Agency | : | Office of the Representative of Malaysia to the AICHR |
Background
Women frequently encounter multiple forms of discrimination and face unique challenges when seeking justice for harm caused by business activities. In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), governments and companies are responsible for respecting women’s rights and addressing specific barriers, such as systemic inequality and unfair treatment.
Women affected by such adverse business activities may struggle even more in obtaining fair outcomes, especially when existing mechanisms fail to address their unique needs or operate within unequal gender norms. Women human rights defenders often face heightened risks, including sexual violence, online harassment, and gender-based attacks.
Addressing these issues requires increased awareness and education on women’s rights, improved business understanding of anti-discrimination laws, and the integration of gender perspectives into human rights impact assessments. These measures are vital for promoting gender equality and fostering more inclusive, rights-respecting business environments across the region.
What is the project aiming for?
The project aims to raise awareness amongst all stakeholders about the importance of adopting a gender lens in the implementation of the UNGPs. It seeks to mainstream the concerns and challenges faced by women within the business and human rights landscape. Specifically, the project envisages the following outputs:
- A workshop to facilitate the exchange of views and practical lessons amongst stakeholders;
- Practical recommendations to guide governments and businesses in protecting, respecting, and remedying the rights of women in business contexts; and
- A joint statement by AICHR and other relevant bodies.
The workshop will bring together participants from ASEAN, experts from other regional human rights mechanisms, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society organisations (CSOs) holding consultative status with AICHR, as well as representatives from UN agencies, academia, and the private sector.
AICHR and Japan agreed to deepen the AICHR-Japan cooperation by formulating new projects in the area of “Business and Human Rights,” with great social/economic impact, in line with the AICHR Five Year Work Plan and the Thematic Areas of Work.
The 4th Interface Meeting between
the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on
Human Rights (AICHR) and Japan
13 May 2025
Jakarta, Indonesia
The objective of the workshop aligns with the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” In addition, the workshop will support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as outlined in the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the areas of cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The workshop will also uphold the key principles of the AOIP, including inclusivity, equality, and mutual benefit.
The programme is currently underway and scheduled to be completed in February 2026.
As of 30 June 2025
