Since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 1995, there has been progress in some areas towards achieving gender equality in the Asia and Pacific region. Despite the progress made, however, women in the region continue to face discrimination and persistent constraints to achieving gender equality and empowerment. The snapshot of key issues and corresponding indicators presented in this chart highlight both selected challenges and priorities for action by Governments. The latter have been agreed in international meetings including the Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing), the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, the Millennium Summit and more recently, in the Bangkok Declaration for Beijing+15 that re-affirmed the Asia-Pacific region’s commitment to the objectives of the Beijing Platform for Action, including intensifying efforts for the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

1. Women in Asia and the Pacific: Challenges and Priorities
2. Many women die every day from childbirth and pregnancy-related complications
3. Women are more likely to be engaged in vulnerable employment
4. Women and girls are vulnerable to trafficking often for sexual exploitation and forced labour
5. Women’s political representation remains low
6. Many women are subjected to different forms of violence
7. Older women living alone are at greater risk of social isolation and economic deprivation
8. Progress and Challenges: Moving Forward