Research Projects

Causal Analysis of Gender Issues and Policy Recommendations for Achieving Gender Equality in Asia

Summary and Aims of the Project

This research project provides a comprehensive examination of gender issues that arise throughout life, from birth to various stages of life, with a focus on individuals, with regard to gender inequalities remaining in Asian countries. For this purpose, we focus on spheres such as public health, education, labor, and disparities in participation in government. By these focuses, we can ascertain the situation in which gender inequalities persist, and what kind of policies can fully address these challenges.

The twentieth century was an era when gender inequality was dramatically resolved. In many countries, voting rights have become equal, laws for equal employment opportunities have been enacted, and the gender wage gap has steadily narrowed. However, some of the remaining problems will still take a lot of time to be solved. For instance, men still dominate politics and public decision-making, and the problem of “missing women” (the selective killing of unborn girls) continues to exist in many countries, including India and China. Women’s reproductive health and access to education have also deteriorated sharply in some cases, as in Afghanistan.

In addition, since the ossification of gender inequality is the product of a long history, finding spontaneous resolution is not easy. Therefore, innovative policies and projects are required to intervene in the gender gap. In response to these issues, this research project aims to illuminate the status of inequality in each subject in a quantitative manner using household and individual data surveyed and obtained in South and Southeast Asia based on our own international network of participating members. At the same time, this project will examine the reality of gender disparities through a combination of qualitative research, including field surveys and the examination of administrative documents. Based on this research methodology, the ultimate goal is to derive universal policy implications.

This research project is effective for the achievement of gender equality in SDG Goal #5, namely, for the formulation and implementation of policies to create a society where people have equal opportunities regardless of gender. In addition, the next generation of researchers will also participate in this project. They will gain various experiences within the research team through this project. This project will also offer various opportunities for collaborative research, which can help our young members to develop their own research and build their future careers as researchers.

Research Projects