Filipina-led forum ignites discussions on women leadership alongside CSW70
HERDD, WFWPI, and WOW convene experts and advocates to drive bold conversations on women’s economic empowerment alongside UN Women’s annual meet
New York, March 11, 2026 — Women globally hold only 64 per cent of the legal rights of men, according to the United Nations Secretary-General’s report. Taking on this challenge, women from all over the globe converge for the HERDD Huddle on Women's Leadership and Access to Justice alongside the United Nations 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).
The first huddle drew a full house at the Heidrick & Struggles New York City office.
Co-presented by HERDD, Women’s Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI), and Women of the World (WOW) Coaching, and held at the Heidrick & Struggles New York City office, the forum convened bold voices to confront the barriers stalling women’s empowerment. The women-led organizations were represented by HERDD Chief Curator Ivanna Aguiling-Dela Torre, WFWPI UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan, and WOW Founder Isa Buencamino-Agbayani—all proud Filipinas.
In attendance were representatives from civil society organizations, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, and the official delegation of the Philippines to the United Nations.
The event concept emerged from this question: if the world’s largest gathering on women’s leadership convenes annually at the United Nations, why are so many women from business (especially from Southeast Asia) still underrepresented? For too long, conversations on policy and business have taken place in parallel rather than together. The HERDD Huddle was created to bridge that divide, convening women leaders from business, policy, and sustainability in one conversation.
The program was hosted by journalist and UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines Karen Davila. It unfolded across three themes, each introduced by a guest presenter: Women’s Barriers to Economic Participation by Philippines Trade Commissioner by Alma Argayoso, Climate Justice Is Justice for Women by Merly Barlaan, and Integrating Access to Justice in Leadership by Dr. Fran Johnston.
Each presentation was followed by a dynamic fishbowl discussion. A group of expert voices took the center to dive deeper into the topic, while the wider circle listened, reflected, and prepared to engage. An empty chair remained open, an invitation for anyone in the room to join. As new voices entered, others stepped out, keeping the conversation alive.
The fishbowl discussions allowed different guests to take up space and join the conversations with expert voices on the themes.
Expert voices included Filipino-American philanthropist and lawyer Loida Lewis, SPARK Philippines Executive Director Maica Teves, The Steve Sinnott Foundation Chief Executive Ann Beatty, UNOPS Project Manager Rior Santos, and Director of Global Education Projects & Partnerships of UNESCO Center for Peace Rosie Chawla.
Aguiling-Dela Torre opened the evening: “Tonight, we are not only discussing policy frameworks. We are grounding these discussions in lived experience, data, and leadership. And we are asking: How do we ensure women are not only present in these conversations, but shaping them?”
She added: “Take up space. Speak up. Step into the dialogue. Share your experience. Because the rooms where decisions are made are not fixed. They expand when more voices enter. And one day, sooner than we think, there will be women leading in every one of those rooms. Not as guests. Not as exceptions. But as leaders. Because a world where she leads is a world where everyone rises.”
Buencamino-Agbayani shared: “Women on their own have power. Together, we have impact.”
This sideline event underscored the power of women stepping confidently into circles of influence, challenging barriers, and lifting others as they rise. Collective leadership was in action, proving that collaboration across sectors creates impact far greater than any one organization alone. It also marked the official launching of HERDD, a new leadership accelerator for female leadership in Southeast Asia.
About the Organizers
About HERDD
Founded in 2025, HERDD is a female leadership accelerator in Southeast Asia—offering insight, visibility, and community. Female leadership drops at the top. Beyond motivation, HERDD lifts it through insight-charged leadership—microlearning built for real leadership challenges, regional visibility so your voice is heard, and a community of powerful female leaders shaping Southeast Asia’s future. herdd.com
About Women’s Federation for World Peace International
The Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) is a women's organization that promotes women as an essential ingredient in creating a peaceful global society.
WFWPI empowers women as peacebuilders and leaders in the family to transform the community, nation and world. Through education, advocacy, partnership, reconciliation and humanitarian service, WFWPI aims to create an environment of peace and well-being for future generations and people of all races, cultures and religious creeds.
WFWPI was founded in 1992 in the Republic of Korea and quickly expanded to 128 countries. WFWPI was granted General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 1997. https://www.wfwp.org/
About Women of the World
Launched in 2020, Women of the World Coaching (WOW) is a global coaching programme accelerating women into senior leadership across sectors. Women from 32 countries — across corporate, education, healthcare, government, and social impact — have taken part.
Leadership at the top remains unbalanced. WOW exists to change that.
Our vision is balanced leadership. Our mission is to see more women in senior roles worldwide — equipping them to lead with clarity, confidence, and influence.
Through rigorous coaching and a powerful global sisterhood, WOW supports women to step fully into their authority. Because when leadership is balanced, the world works better. http://wowcoaching.org/
WOW Founder Isa Buencamino-Agbayani, HERDD Chief Curator Ivanna Aguiling-Dela Torre, and WFWPI UN Relations Office Director Merly Barlaan thank the partners and guests for making this inaugural event successful.
