Is the situation of women in Asia improving or deteriorating?

Abstract:

Using several indicators of status, this report assesses Asian women's situation, especially in relation to men, in a variety of economic and cultural settings. Where possible, it describes changes in their situation during the last three to four decades and notes tendencies toward improvement or degradation according to a society's development level. The evidence reviewed indicates that despite economic development, a society's social and cultural traditions can have an enduring impact on women's lives. Nevertheless, in most part of Asia, women today appear to be better off than their counterparts of 20-30 years ago. The corresponding Asia-Pacific Population Research Abstract is available as a PDF file.