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Technology in Action: Good Practices in Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Women in South Asia

UNCTAD Current Studies on Science, Technology and Innovation, No 12

The publication is focused on policies and initiatives carried out in countries in South Asia that show how STI can help the condition of women in this region1. Focusing the analysis on regional levels allows for the consideration of existing commonalities across countries in different geographical regions in relation to gender equality and the different circumstances across and within countries.

This report was elaborated based on a comprehensive analysis of secondary literature on programmes and policies on gender, STI and other sectors conducted in the region by local governments in collaboration with international agencies and other organizations. The experiences presented in this report show that STI policies usually contribute to improving the livelihoods of women and enhancing gender equality through the following mechanisms: introducing and diffusingtechnological and scientific developments that improve the life of women; creating and strengthening, both directly and indirectly, capacities related to STI; and introducing financialinnovations such as microcredit and related skills for entrepreneurs.

Following the introduction, this report is structured as follows:

  • Chapter 2 discusses the nature of gender disparities in South Asia and analyses the current situation and the main challenges in this region in terms of the gender divide;

  • Chapter 3 presents a compilation of STI policies and initiatives implemented in this region aimed at improving the situation of women; and

  • Chapter 4 presents the main conclusions from the analysis.

 

1The countries considered in this study are the following: Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; India; the Islamic Republic of Iran; Maldives; Nepal; Pakistan; and Sri Lanka.
Technology in Action: Good Practices in Science, Technology and Innovation Policies for Women in South Asia - UNCTAD Current Studies on Science, Technology and Innovation, No 12  (UNCTAD/DTL/STICT/2013/3)
10 Jul 2015