Because of a significant number of historical and cultural continuities, people of South Asia share many practices and concepts even within the amazing diversity that also characterizes the people of the region. South Asia has a population of 1.35 billion, and accounts for 40 per cent of the world's poorest people. There is an average of only 93 women for every 100 men, against the global norm of 106 women for every 100 men.

The interests and positions of women change in South Asia in significant respects throughout the life course. In general, however, a women can ex…