CALD Women’s Caucus Strategically Plans for the Future

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

These words of French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery, author of the novel The Little Prince, still ring true today. And the Women’s Caucus of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) heard them loud and clear.

It was for this reason that six amazing women from CALD member-parties in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand assembled in Boracay, The Philippines for an intensive (but enjoyable) strategic planning workshop. Held on 13-17 June 2025, the workshop aimed to: (1) learn about the motivations and aspirations of the key members of the CALD Women’s Caucus; (2) analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Caucus, as well as the opportunities and threats facing the network; (3) consider the formation of a core group that may facilitate continuity and growth; and (4) propose short- and medium-term plans for the Caucus informed by the needs and priorities of women in CALD member-parties.

The workshop commenced with a presentation on the origins and evolution of the CALD Women’s Caucus, including its major achievements in its almost two-decade existence. Formed in 2006 as a response to the “Win with Women Global Initiative”, the Caucus held annual activities participated in by hundreds of women political leaders from CALD member-parties and beyond.  These activities contributed significantly to mainstreaming gender issues and gender-related policies and initiatives within CALD member-parties and in CALD activities. 

Some of these events were even graced with the presence of outstanding women political leaders in the Southeast and East Asian region such as Bi-khim Hsiao, Tsai Ing-wen and Annette Lu from Taiwan, Emily Lau from Hong Kong and Leni Robredo from the Philippines.

The presentation was followed by a sharing among the participants of their personal journeys as women leaders.  Some of them highlighted the gender discrimination they faced as women in politics, as well as the challenges that come in balancing the rough and tumble of politics with family life. A number of them also noted the economic constraints that bar substantive women political participation, as well as the lack of institutional support to encourage women to enter politics.

Guided by this discussion on personal journeys, the workshop proceeded on how this wealth of experiences can be of value to the CALD Women’s Caucus, particularly in the process of the formation of the core group. A core group has been described as the “most interested” and the “most committed” members in an organization, as distinguished from the core team, active members and peripheral members.  Having a core group is said to be crucial for organizational planning and development.

Organizational planning and development, however, could not be done without an assessment of the internal and external environment impacting on organizational operations.  For this reason, a SWOT analysis of the CALD Women’s Caucus was done to know how the network can utilize its strengths to seize the opportunities and overcome the threats, guided by an awareness of its weaknesses.

From the SWOT analysis, a list of priority areas was identified by the participants including: (1) defining the Caucus’ structures and processes; (2) streamlining its programs and activities; (3) developing a communication plan and strategy which incorporates a spotlight on women leaders; (4) exploring alternative funding sources; and (5) expanding the network of the Caucus. After which, the participants agreed on who should take the lead in realizing the goals per priority area, as well as what would be a realistic timetable to accomplish the goals.

“We came to Boracay with a wish for the CALD Women’s Caucus to be a more effective avenue for women political empowerment, and we left the island with a definite plan on how to make it happen”, said CALD Women’s Caucus Chairperson Jaslyn Go. “Given the interest and commitment I have seen in the participants who attended this strategic planning workshop, I can say with certainty that the future looks bright for the CALD Women’s Caucus.” 

Categorised in: News Article

This post was written by CALD