Dr Shabana Safdar Khan

Gender bias is the unequal treatment or perception of individuals based on their gender. It can manifest in various forms, such as discrimination, violence, stereotypes, and norms that limit the opportunities and choices of girls and women. Gender bias is a pervasive and persistent problem in South Asia, a region that has some of the worst indicators of gender equality in the world. Some of the aspects of gender bias in South Asia are:

Gender gaps in education and health: South Asia has the lowest female literacy rate (58%) and the highest gender gap in primary education (18%) among all regions. Girls in South Asia face multiple barriers to access and complete education, such as poverty, early marriage, social norms, and violence. Moreover, South Asia has the highest maternal mortality ratio (182 per 100,000 live births) and the lowest female life expectancy (69 years) in the world. Women and girls in South Asia suffer from poor health outcomes due to lack of access to quality health services, nutrition, sanitation, and reproductive rights.

Gender disparities in economic and political participation: South Asia has the lowest female labor force participation rate (23%) and the highest gender gap in labor force participation (50%) in the world. Women and girls in South Asia face multiple constraints to enter and succeed in the labor market, such as low skills, low wages, unpaid work, harassment, and discrimination. Furthermore, South Asia has the lowest proportion of women in parliament (18%) and the lowest proportion of women in ministerial positions (13%) in the world. Women and girls in South Asia have limited voice and representation in decision-making processes, due to patriarchal norms, violence, and lack of political will.

Gender norms and stereotypes: South Asia has some of the most rigid and harmful gender norms and stereotypes in the world, which shape the expectations and behaviors of men and women in society. According to the World Values Survey, South Asia has the highest percentage of people who agree that men should have more rights to jobs than women, that men make better political leaders than women, and that a university education is more important for a boy than for a girl. According to the UNDP Gender Social Norms Index, South Asia has the highest percentage of people who hold at least one bias against gender equality and women’s empowerment. These norms and stereotypes perpetuate the subordination and oppression of women and girls, and justify the practices of child marriage, dowry, female feticide, and domestic violence.

While South Asia is marred by deep divisions and hostility across most issues, a shared burden of misogyny casts a long shadow over these countries. In particular, the preference for sons over daughters remains deeply ingrained in societies, with India bearing the brunt of this gender disparity.

Recent economic surveys in India reveal a staggering statistic: over 63 million women are “missing” across the country. This stark imbalance reflects the prevalence of sex-selective abortions, a practice driven by cultural beliefs that view daughters as burdens and sons as sources of pride and prosperity.

This societal preference is further manifested in the unequal distribution of resources. Boys receive better nutrition and medical care than girls, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination that begins before birth. Furthermore, families are more likely to stop having children after the birth of a son, indicating a conscious preference for male offspring.

Despite legal prohibitions against sex-selective abortions, unscrupulous doctors and quacks readily bend the rules for a hefty price, exploiting the desperation of families seeking sons. This disregard for the law and blatant disregard for female lives underscores the depth of the problem.

The financial burden associated with raising daughters, often fueled by societal expectations of marriage dowries, compounds the issue. This economic pressure further reinforces the negative perception of girls and contributes to their devaluation within families.

The impact of this societal preference is wide-ranging, leading to lower educational attainment and limited opportunities for girls. Even educated and affluent women face immense pressure to produce sons, highlighting the pervasive nature of this discriminatory mindset.

Over 21 million girls are deemed unwanted by their families, a stark reminder of the human cost of this deeply ingrained bias. The first step towards addressing this issue lies in acknowledging its gravity and recognizing it as a societal problem deserving urgent attention.

Only by dismantling the cultural and economic factors that perpetuate this preference can we create a just and equitable society where all children, regardless of their gender, are valued and cherished.

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South Asia faces a significant challenge in addressing the deeply ingrained gender bias that pervades its societies. While the issue is complex and multifaceted, a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach is necessary to achieve tangible progress. Here are some key strategies that can be implemented:

1. Empowering Girls and Women:

• Education: Increasing access to quality education for girls is crucial. Education empowers girls with knowledge, skills, and confidence, enabling them to challenge traditional societal norms and make informed choices about their lives. This includes ensuring access to comprehensive sex education, which can address misconceptions and promote healthy sexual attitudes.
• Economic Empowerment: Providing girls and women with equal access to economic opportunities is essential. This involves promoting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and skill-building programs that enable women to participate actively in the workforce and gain financial independence.
• Political Participation: Encouraging and supporting women’s participation in political processes is vital. This includes increasing the number of women in elected positions, fostering leadership skills, and addressing systemic barriers that hinder their participation.

2. Shifting Societal Attitudes:

• Raising Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in challenging harmful stereotypes and changing social perceptions of girls and women. These campaigns can utilize various media channels to promote gender equality and highlight the positive contributions women make to society.
• Engaging Men and Boys: Engaging men and boys in the fight against gender inequality is essential. This involves promoting gender-equitable parenting practices, fostering healthy masculinity, and addressing the root causes of harmful attitudes towards women.
• Community Mobilization: Mobilizing communities and religious institutions to champion gender equality can be highly effective. Grassroots initiatives can address local challenges, promote positive cultural norms, and create a supportive environment for girls and women.

3. Strengthening Legal Frameworks:

• Strengthening Laws: Governments need to strengthen existing laws and policies that promote gender equality and enforce them effectively. This includes addressing loopholes in legislation, tackling discriminatory practices, and providing legal recourse for victims of gender-based violence.
• Investing in Law Enforcement: Adequate resources and training are essential for law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute cases of gender-based violence. This ensures that perpetrators are held accountable and contributes to deterring future offenses.
• Judicial Reform: The judicial system needs to be sensitized to issues of gender bias and ensure fair and impartial treatment for women and girls seeking legal assistance. This includes providing training for judges and other legal professionals on gender equality laws and implementing mechanisms to address gender-based discrimination within the judicial system.

4. International Collaboration:

• Sharing Best Practices: South Asian countries can learn from each other’s experiences and share best practices in addressing gender bias. This can involve collaborative research, knowledge exchange programs, and joint initiatives aimed at tackling specific challenges.
• Global Partnerships: Partnering with international organizations and NGOs can provide valuable resources and expertise in addressing gender inequality. This includes funding, technical assistance, and capacity building programs that support national efforts to promote gender equality.

5. Data-Driven Approach:

• Data Collection: Collecting and analyzing comprehensive and accurate data on gender disparities is essential. This data can inform policy decisions, track progress, and identify areas requiring further attention.
• Gender Budgeting: Integrating gender considerations into national budgets ensures that resources are allocated equitably and effectively to address gender disparities and promote women’s empowerment.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented interventions is crucial. This allows for adjustments to be made and ensures that resources are being utilized optimally.

By implementing these strategies through a comprehensive and coordinated approach, South Asian countries can create a future where girls and women are empowered, valued, and have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. Building a society free from gender bias requires sustained effort, unwavering commitment, and the collective action of governments, civil society organizations, communities, and individuals. Only then can South Asia realize its full potential and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth for all its citizens.

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