It used to be hard to be a woman in Asia. Traditionally limited to the home, their main responsibility was to bear children and take care of the household. Women in Europe and America possessed greater rights, being able to hold the same positions as men regardless of their background or the field they intend to pursue.

As compared with their Caucasian counterparts, most women in Asia live as second class citizens. This is because a significant number of Asian countries are still predominantly patriarchal societies. It is a world wherein a man’s opinion is held above those of women. From a young age, boys and girls are trained to assume traditional roles, for wives to be submissive to their husbands. Although there have been moves to change how women are viewed and treated in today’s society, any changes to these accustomed roles are still frowned upon in a lot of cultures. It is difficult to change what has been ingrained since childhood.

There have been signs that the tides are quickly changing. The advent of globalization and the instability of the world’s economy have helped pull the Asian woman out of her shell, whether other people like it or not. It is now common to see housewives working in corporate settings, to help put more food on the table. Young, single Asian women in the cities are discovering a new level of confidence and are making outstanding marks in their respective fields.

Today’s generations of Asian women are not alone in their fight for gender equality. They have other women to look up to, other Asian women who are not afraid to stand up for their rights and pit their skills against men. Asian women have expanded their reach and domain from the home to the world stage and it does not appear as if this trend will stop anytime soon.

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