East Asia and the Pacific

This paper tells the story of Mayatai Sorte, who was born into a lower caste in India. It describes her efforts to fight against gender and caste-based discrimination.

The Asia Foundation has had a dedicated program to increasing women’s participation in democratic processes and public decisionmaking across the Asia-Pacific region since 1992.

An analytical overview and issue briefs on women's empowerment in India, including rights and security, economic opportunities, and women in politics.

The Asia Foundation helps women leaders from eight northern hill-tribes to gain the knowledge, confidence, and momentum needed to join local government.

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to democratic principles of governance and citizen participation. However, in many Asian countries, women still face serious cultural, social, and legal barriers that constrain their full participation in democratic processes.

ndia has witnessed the world’s largest experiment in grassroots local democracy, triggered by the 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution, which created a third tier of governance – Panchayati Raj Institutions (Village Councils) and urban local bodies.