Power, Voice, and Rights

Women still confront multiple forms of discrimination in every Asia-Pacific country. Despite robust growth and progress on many fronts, gender inequality persists and deprives the region of a significant source of human potential. Countries in the region that have done the most to tap women’s talents and capacities have traveled farthest on many aspects of human development. Countries that tolerate deep inequities fall short of equal citizenship–and face social instability and economic loss, particularly acute amid global economic downturn. Today, Asia to Pacific stands at a crossroads. But with better institutions, openness to ideas, and more resources, the region is well equipped to achieve gender equality. This report looks at three key opportunities for achieving gender equality—economics, politics and the law. Transforming institutions in all three areas, changing attitudes and assessing progress continually will open the door wide-rapid, far to reaching change for human development.