Status of Women in Central Asian Countries Vis-À-Vis Western Countries- A Comparative Study
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Abstract
Asia is frequently referred to as the growth engine of today's global economy and has experienced rapid economic, social, and political development over the past few decades. These developments have also brought about significant changes in the status of women in Asian societies. In general, women's circumstances have improved as a result of economic growth and social and political change that supports superior living conditions and individual rights. The improved condition has come in terms of improving education level with growing percentage of women attending higher education and increased proportion of women taking up paid employment.
In spite of above developments, the women status in central asian region still lag behind in terms of status enjoyed by western countries women. Women in Central Asia still lacks good legal protection and fewer opportunities for education and employment compared to those in western countries. In some Central Asian countries, women also face more social and cultural barriers to achieving equality and autonomy whereas women in Western countries have more legal protections and opportunities for education and employment, and may be more likely to hold leadership position.
Moreover, women in Central Asia are more likely to experience gender-based violence, discrimination, and restrictions on their rights and freedoms in comparison to western world women’s. They are also underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions, and may face challenges in accessing education and employment.
This paper shall review the status of women in central Asian (CA) countries vis-à-vis western countries in detail and a comparative study shall be made to present the facts and identify the challenges and work to be done to address gender inequality and encourage the human rights and improve status of women in the central Asia.