Asia and women

Is Asia a place for women?

The situation of women in Asia is a complex issue that stems from the cultural, religious, social and economic diversity of the region. Asia, comprising over 50 countries and home to over 4.7 billion people (World Bank data, 2022), is characterized by significant differences in the level of gender equality and access to women's rights across countries.

As of 2024, the female population in Asia was approximately 2.318 billion. This means that for every 1,000 women, there were on average 1,045 men.

In some Asian countries, such as China and India, there is a significant gender imbalance to the detriment of women. In China, for every 100 girls, about 119 boys are born, leading to a surplus of men in the population.

Education and Literacy

Women’s access to education in Asia varies significantly by country. According to a 2021 UNESCO report, the average female literacy rate in Asia was 79%, while in some countries, such as Afghanistan, it was much lower (around 29%). In more economically developed countries in the region, such as Japan and South Korea, the female literacy rate was over 99%. Despite progress in access to education in many Asian countries, girls still face obstacles such as child marriage, poverty, and cultural norms that limit their educational opportunities.

The job market

Women in Asia make up a significant part of the workforce, but they are still underrepresented in government sectors and management positions. According to the International Labor Organization, in 2022, the employment rate for women in Asia averaged 47.2%, compared to 73.8% for men. These differences are particularly pronounced in South Asia, where women face constraints related to social norms, lack of childcare infrastructure, and discrimination in the labor market.

Reproductive health and women's rights

Women’s access to healthcare, especially reproductive healthcare, remains a significant challenge in many parts of Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the maternal mortality rate in South Asia in 2020 was 163 per 100,000 live births, one of the highest in the world. At the same time, countries such as Japan and Singapore have achieved very low levels of maternal mortality, below 10 per 100,000 live births. Limited access to contraception and sexual education contributes to high rates of teenage pregnancy, especially in countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal.

Violence against women

Violence against women, both in the home and in public spaces, remains a serious social problem in many Asian countries. According to a 2021 report by UN Women, around 37% of women in South Asia experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Countries like India and Pakistan also face problems with so-called “honour” crimes, as well as forced marriages and domestic murders. While many countries in the region have introduced laws to protect women from violence, enforcing them remains a challenge.

Politics and participation in public life

Women’s participation in politics in Asia has been gradually increasing, but remains relatively low. According to 2022 data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women made up an average of 20.6% of members of parliament in Asia, below the global average of 26.1%. Women are often excluded from decision-making due to patriarchal social norms.

Asia places women in tradition

The traditional role of women in Asia is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and historical values ​​that have shaped the social structures of the region for centuries. Asia, as a continent of great ethnic and cultural diversity, presents both common and distinct features of traditional perceptions of gender roles. Women, especially in patriarchal societies, have often been seen as guardians of the home, subordinate to men in the family and public spheres.

The patriarchal system

In many Asian cultures, such as those prevalent in China, India, and Japan, societies have historically been based on patriarchal systems. This means that power and privilege were concentrated in the hands of men, while women were responsible for household chores and child rearing. The influence of Confucianism in China and Korea emphasized the subordination of women to men and the hierarchy within the family. According to Confucius’ teachings, “a woman should be subject to her father before marriage, to her husband during marriage, and to her son after her husband’s death”—a principle known as the “three obediences.”

Religion

The dominant religions in Asia, such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism, have had a significant influence on defining gender roles. In Hinduism, women were traditionally seen as "guardians of the dharma" - responsible for maintaining harmony in the family, but often subordinate to their husbands. In Islam, women were assigned a special role in the domestic sphere, according to interpretations of the Quran, which in some regions of Asia led to restrictions on their participation in public life. Buddhism, although promoting equality in some contexts, in practice in many Asian societies did not translate into equal rights for women in social structures.

Customary laws affirming traditional roles for women

• India and the caste system

In India, the traditional caste system (varnas) has had a profound impact on women’s lives. Women, especially in the upper castes, were often isolated through the practice of “purdah” (veiling and separation). Research by the National Commission for Women in India (2018) indicates that in many rural communities, women are still excluded from decision-making concerning the family and community.

• China and the Policy of Filial Piety

The traditional role of women in China has been shaped by the Confucian idea of ​​xiaodao (filial piety). Women were seen as the “glue of the family” – responsible for raising children and caring for the elderly. A 2022 World Economic Forum report found that women still make up less than 25% of management positions in China, reflecting traditional restrictions on their access to leadership roles.

• Japan and the "ryosaikenbo" model

In Japan, the traditional role of women as "good wives and wise mothers" ( ryosaikenbo ) has been promoted since the Meiji era (1868–1912). OECD research (2021) shows that despite advances in education and employment, women in Japan still do 85% of the housework, demonstrating the persistence of traditional gender roles.

Modern Women - Asia is Changing

The situation of women in Asia has undergone gradual but varied changes over recent decades. Social movements, economic development, globalization, and political interventions have contributed to improving women's rights and position in many Asian countries.

While women in Asia are still a minority in politics, their participation is growing. In 2022, women made up an average of 20.6% of members of parliament in Asia, up from about 12% in the 1990s.

Famous Women in Asian Politics

Women in Asian politics have played a significant role in shaping political life in the region, even though patriarchal power structures have dominated many countries on the continent for centuries.

Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) – India

Indira Gandhi was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of India (1966–77, 1980–84) and one of the most influential political leaders of the 20th century. Her policies, described as "authoritarian leadership style", included significant economic reforms, such as the nationalisation of banks, and the declaration of a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. Gandhi was a key figure in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh. Despite the controversy surrounding her policies, Indira Gandhi remains an icon of Indian politics. She was assassinated in 1984.

Aung San Suu Kyi (born 1945) – Myanmar (Burma)

Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, was a symbol of the struggle for democracy in Myanmar (Burma). As leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), she had struggled for decades against the repression of the military junta. In 2015, after years under house arrest, the NLD won parliamentary elections, and Suu Kyi took over as state adviser (de facto head of government).

Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007) – Pakistan

Benazir Bhutto was the first woman in the world to be elected prime minister of a Muslim country, serving twice in Pakistan (1988–1990, 1993–1996). As leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bhutto sought to modernize the country and improve the situation of women. She was killed in a bomb attack in 2007.

Tsai Ing-wen (born 1956) – Taiwan

Tsai Ing-wen is the first woman elected president of Taiwan (since 2016). As chairwoman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Tsai is known for promoting Taiwan's independence from China and progressive social reforms, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2019—the first such law in Asia. Her presidency enjoys high levels of public support, especially amid tensions with China.

Yingluck Shinawatra (born 1967) – Thailand

Yingluck Shinawatra was Thailand's first female Prime Minister (2011–14). She was seen as a progressive leader, pushing for social and political reforms. However, her rule ended in a military coup in 2014.

Malala Yousafzai - Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17, making her the youngest laureate in history. She was awarded for fighting for girls' rights to education in Pakistan, particularly in Taliban-controlled regions where girls' education was banned. Malala survived an assassination attempt in 2012, and her story and work inspired a global movement for women's education.

Influential Asian Women

The lack of education and opportunities for women were among the factors behind emigration from Asia. It was in the homes of those with roots in Asia that influential women were born. These women played an important role in various areas of life – politics, culture, science and activism. Through their achievements and activities, they changed the global discourse and inspired subsequent generations.

Kamala Harris (India/Jamaica/USA)

Kamala Harris, the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica, is the first woman, first person of South Asian descent and first black vice president of the United States. Her success symbolizes progress in the representation of ethnic minorities in U.S. politics.

Yoko Ono (Japan)

Yoko Ono (born February 18, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese-American conceptual artist, singer, songwriter, and peace activist. She is best known for her work in avant-garde art and her relationship with John Lennon, a member of the legendary band The Beatles. Yoko Ono is considered one of the most controversial and influential figures in the world of art and popular culture.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas (India)

Priyanka Chopra is one of the most recognizable Bollywood actresses who has also found success in Hollywood. She is a UNICEF ambassador and an active advocate for women's rights and access to education.

Vera Wang (China/USA)

Vera Wang, a Chinese-American designer, revolutionized the wedding industry with her unique wedding dress designs. Her brand is a symbol of luxury and elegance worldwide.

Naomi Osaka (Japan/Haiti)

Naomi Osaka is a Japanese-Haitian tennis player who has won four Grand Slam titles. She is also a social justice activist, vocally advocating for equality and anti-racism.

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Margaret Chan (Hong Kong)

Margaret Chan was Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2006 to 2017. She played a key role in global efforts to combat pandemics, including H1N1 influenza.

Rupi Kaur (India/Canada)

Rupi Kaur, an Indian-born poet and artist, is one of the most influential contemporary writers. Her books, such as Milk and Honey , have achieved enormous popularity, especially among young women.

The common denominator among influential women of Asian descent is their ability to break down social, cultural and professional barriers. Their actions – whether in politics, culture, science or activism – have had and continue to have a profound impact on global discourse, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable world.

Composition idea for a post. Asia has always fascinated me. Thanks to it, Orientana cosmetics were created. Being in Asia for 20 years, I observed how the role of women changed, and above all, I noticed how the attitude towards me changed.