Asia is the epitome of dynamism. From holding traditional social values to being the center for technical expansion, the region exists in a dichotomy.
The same contrast is reflected in women’s growth and women’s role in the economy. While a country such as China sees a disproportionate rise of self-made women billionaires in the field of tech, yet in several countries a majority of women do not have access to the internet. Examples such as these are present across all regions of Asia.
However, Asia’s dynamism also translates into rapid growth. Currently Asian women contribute 36 percent of the region’s collective GDP, a number aligning with the global average. But the statistics differ from region to region. For an instance, woman in China contribute 41 percent, on the other hand Indian women contribute less than 20 percent to the GDP. Such stark contrasts exist in every aspect.
With these challenges, the scope of opportunities also increases. Experts believe that women in Asia could add $4.5 trillion to the GDP by 2025. This is a 12 percent rise over Asia’s projected GDP currently. The growth potential is truly exponential.
As we move forward it is important to support women and empower them to build lasting careers. Women in Asia have made strides when it comes to joining the workforce. Today their number stands at 20 percent in managerial positions as compared to 20 years ago. Eastern Asia has made the biggest growth in this context. It saw percentage of women managers grow from 18 percent in 2000 to 28 percent in 2019. Women are still underrepresented in middle and top leadership positions. However, progress in being made in that aspect as well.
The crux of the matter is that, we are moving forward. although our pace could be much faster, yet the growth and development is occurring.
Here’s to a brighter future for women in Asia.
