Women and Work in Asia and the Pacific (Experiences, challenges and ways forward)

Working women everywhere face discrimination. Inequality and lack of inclusion is reinforced through regulation, policy, behaviors and attitudes. Although there has been progress in some countries, gender equality at work has yet to be achieved by any nation. This in-depth study examines the challenges faced by working women, their families and communities in ten countries throughout Asia and the Pacific: New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China, Cambodia, India, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Pakistan and the Philippines. Informed by the work of senior academics, policy-makers and community group representatives, and with a foreword by Elizabeth Broderick, independent expert for the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls, United Nations Human Rights Council, working women’ s experiences are described and analyzed within a framework of four themes: demography, globalization, technological development and sustainability. Drawing on this wide range of qualitative and quantitative evidence, the authors set out recommendations for coordinated and context-sensitive responses specific to each country to improve the working lives of women and girls.