Reimagining Inclusive Leadership: A Masterclass Empowering Women in Technology in the Asia-Pacific Region
On October 17, 2025, UN Women Philippines, in collaboration with the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), hosted a transformative Masterclass on Inclusive Leadership for the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector. Held at the UN Women Philippines office in Mandaluyong City, this half-day event brought together members of the IBPAP Women in Action @ IT-BPM (WIA) Elevate cohort alongside UN Women’s team, fostering an engaging and reflective environment focused on embedding inclusion and gender equality within leadership development in the technology industry.
Building Inclusive Leadership for the IT-BPM Sector
The Masterclass was organized under the auspices of UN Women’s Gender Action Lab (GAL) and showcased a powerful blend of practical training and purposeful dialogue. Rather than a traditional lecture, the session offered a space for women leaders to reconnect with their leadership purpose and potential, positioning them as pivotal changemakers in the fast-evolving IT-BPM sector.
Participants received valuable tools to cultivate gender-responsive and inclusive practices in their workplaces, reinforcing the understanding that inclusive leadership is not merely a moral imperative but also a strategic asset. The leadership style advocated encourages innovation, resilience, and equity, qualities vital for organizations aiming to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
Anchoring the session was UN Women’s commitment to advancing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)—a globally recognized framework comprising seven principles that guide businesses in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community. This initiative aligns with the WEPs Corporate Action Lab, a joint project of UN Women Philippines and IBPAP dedicated to advancing women’s leadership roles in technology.
Framing Leadership Through a Gender Lens: The Five-Part Framework
The Masterclass employed a five-part framework—Reimagine, Recognize, Respect, Respond, Reflect—to engage participants actively in redefining leadership as an inclusive and collective endeavor. The opening session inspired leaders to envision an inclusive world where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.
Through interactive exercises and moderated discussions led by facilitators from Management Strategies, Inc., attendees explored critical concepts such as the distinction between equality and equity, and how these principles translate into workplace realities. Participants shared personal experiences touching on fairness, belonging, and representation, grounding the theoretical components of the session in authentic lived experiences.
Participants explored practical strategies for addressing unconscious bias and microaggressions that subtly undermine women’s advancement and contribute to unequal access to opportunities. Breakout sessions incorporated the use of WEPs cards, which enabled attendees to assess their organizations’ current status concerning the seven principles. This methodical approach helped identify both enablers and barriers to gender equality, promoting rich discussions about workplace culture dynamics.
Addressing Challenges and Charting a Path Forward
The candid conversations throughout the day revealed persistent challenges faced by women in technology—from microaggressions such as interruptions and assumptions about competence to systemic stereotypes impacting confidence and inclusion. By shining a light on these obstacles, the Masterclass laid the groundwork for participants to devise effective responses that foster more equitable and supportive work environments.
This event is part of UN Women’s sustained efforts throughout the Asia-Pacific region to champion inclusive leadership and gender equality within technological fields. By equipping women leaders with the insights and skills necessary to transform organizational cultures, UN Women and IBPAP aim to accelerate progress toward an industry where diversity is recognized as a driver of innovation and sustainable success.
Conclusion
The Inclusive Leadership Masterclass hosted by UN Women Philippines and IBPAP exemplifies a pioneering initiative to reimagine leadership paradigms through a gender-responsive lens, spotlighting the critical role women play in shaping the future of technology. As the IT-BPM sector continues to grow in the region, fostering inclusive leadership is essential—not only for women’s empowerment but for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
For more information about UN Women’s programs and initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region, please visit the official UN Women Asia-Pacific website.
