By CPURAFLU-FFW
Representing the Federation of Free Workers, Ms. Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo, CPURAFLU-FFW President, participates in the two-day ASEANTUC Women’s Leadership Training 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo, President of the Central Philippine University Rank-and-File Labor Union-Federation of Free Workers (CPURAFLU-FFW), represented the union in the ASEAN Trade Union Council (ASEANTUC) Women’s Leadership Training 2026 held on July 27–28, 2026, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Carrying the theme “Empowering Future Women Leaders,” the two-day training served as a regional platform to strengthen the leadership capacities of women leaders in the trade union movement across ASEAN. The program focused on promoting greater representation of women in strategic and decision-making positions, fostering regional collaboration, and equipping participants with knowledge and practical tools to address emerging challenges in the world of work.
The training explored key issues affecting women workers, including the impact of global economic, climate, and health crises; digitalization and automation; gender-responsive labor policies; workplace discrimination; work-life balance; equal pay; and the creation of safe and harassment-free workplaces. It also highlighted the importance of addressing structural and cultural barriers, including the “glass ceiling,” that may hinder women from advancing into leadership and decision-making roles.
A significant component of the program was the discussion of International Labour Organization (ILO) standards on gender equality, including the use of international standards in strengthening labor advocacy and collective bargaining. Participants also examined state policies on gender equality and mechanisms for protecting the rights and welfare of women workers.
A group photo of Ms. Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo, CPURAFLU-FFW President, with fellow participants and delegates during the ASEANTUC Women’s Leadership Training 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The training further addressed women’s legal rights and protection in the workplace, including awareness of harassment, discrimination, and labor-related violations. It emphasized collaboration among trade unions, employers, and law enforcement agencies in promoting safe and equitable workplaces.
The program brought together women delegates from ASEANTUC affiliates across ASEAN member countries. It featured labor leaders and experts, including ASEANTUC President and KSPSI President Andi Gani as keynote speaker, along with representatives from the Indonesian government, the International Labour Organization, and labor organizations.
Through interactive presentations, self-assessment and reflection, experience sharing, case studies, simulations, and focus group discussions, participants were encouraged to translate their learning into concrete leadership and advocacy initiatives. The training was designed to strengthen participants’ confidence and readiness to assume strategic leadership roles and to promote stronger collaboration among trade unions in the region.
The program also sought to generate practical recommendations and future action plans for national implementation while strengthening institutional awareness of gender equality within the trade union movement.
Bellosillo’s participation highlights CPURAFLU-FFW’s commitment to strengthening women’s leadership, advancing workers’ rights, and promoting gender-responsive policies and inclusive workplaces. Her participation also provides an opportunity to bring regional perspectives and leadership practices back to the CPU labor movement and contribute to the continuing development of women leaders within the university community.