ASEAN, gender equality and women’s empowerment in STEM

Purpose A paradigm shift is essential to achieving gender equality, including participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This article aims to analyze how the involvement of international organizations in this task is essential to succeeding beyond the actions of local and national governments. Design/methodology/approach Based on the case study of ASEAN, we examine official documents of the ASEAN Secretariat to analyze the relationship between Innovation, Science and Technology for ASEAN countries and action plans to advance women’s participation in STEM. Findings The article evidences the scope, limits, contributions and challenges of ASEAN as a promotor of gender equality in STEM. Research limitations/implications This case study explores how the official position of the ASEAN Secretariat can contribute to advancing gender equity in STEM. Subsequent studies based on other qualitative methodologies, considering decision-makers from the ASEAN countries, will enrich the findings. Originality/value The traditional focus of analyzing how women can participate more in STEM has been regional or national approaches. Academic literature often considers the role of provincial or national governments as the most decisive influence on correcting inequalities of opportunities between men and women. However, this research takes a different approach, discussing the few explored roles of international organizations, both global and regional, in this critical task. The potential contribution of international organizations on this issue, despite their non-binding recommendations and resolutions, can contribute to impulse a change in the gender gap in STEM as the ASEAN case evidences.