Asia-Pacific: One of World’s Largest Gender Gaps

The countries of Asia and the Pacific have not duplicated their economic success in the realm of gender equality, according to a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report, which found that discrimination and neglect are threatening the very survival of women in the region.

“Empowering women is vital for achieving development goals overall and for boosting economic growth and sustainable development,” said UNDP Administrator Helen Clark, who unveiled the publication in the Indian capital, New Delhi, today.

The region’s women suffer from some of the lowest rates of political representation, employment and property ownership in the world. Their lack of participation, the 2010 Asia-Pacific Human Development Report found, is also retarding economic growth.

In her address, Miss Clark pointed out that nearly half the adult women in South Asia are illiterate, a greater proportion than in any other region in the world.

This revealing article highlights key areas that require immediate attention in order for women’s voices to be heard and understood. M.T.

For the complete article please visit the UN News Centre.

To view the complete report, please visit UNDP.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 under Recent.