Women in ASEAN’s coastal areas face multidimensional challenges that are exacerbated by gender disparities, hindering poverty eradication efforts in their communities. Climate change threatens the livelihoods of coastal populations, which comprise a substantial part of ASEAN’s total population. Women will be disproportionately affected. Women’s immense contributions to relevant sectors in coastal areas are undervalued and women are underrepresented as leaders in coastal development. While ASEAN has recognised the importance of women’s leadership for inclusive development in coastal areas, ASEAN-level initiatives have been sporadic and have not focused on mainstreaming gender equality in various key sectors.