Pride and prejudice: how Asia's women have triumphed even in face of adversity
This story is part of a series on women's issues in China and Asia to coincide with International Women's Day.
Throughout the trials and tribulations brought by a year living amid the coronavirus pandemic, Asia's women have proved time and again that they can rise to the challenge - whether it's landing a spacecraft on Mars, fighting cross-border bride trafficking or transcending gender roles to become a driving force for change.
Join This Week In Asia for a look back at some of our top stories from the past 12 months celebrating women from the region who have triumphed over adversity, to mark International Women's Day.
Get the latest insights and analysis from our Global Impact newsletter on the big stories originating in China.
A MISSION TO MARS
After a seven-month, 300-million-mile journey, Nasa scientist Swati Mohan expertly landed the science rover Perseverance on Mars last month to cheers from her colleagues and plaudits from admirers around the world.
She is among a group of Indian women, including 'missile woman' Tessy Thomas, aerospace engineer Ritu Karidhal Srivastava and electronics systems engineer Muthayya Vanitha, who have found successful careers in space science - inspiring a new generation of aspiring young women scientists in the process.
TRANSCENDING GENDER
Police in Kolkata arrest a female supporter of the All India Democratic Woman Alliance during a protest demanding more rights for women. Photo: Zuma Wire/DPA alt=Police in Kolkata arrest a female supporter of the All India Democratic Woman Alliance during a protest demanding more rights for women. Photo: Zuma Wire/DPA
Across Asia, women are becoming increasingly outspoken and taking part in protests from India to Hong Kong aimed at bringing change to their communities as feminist movements gain ground in the region and globally.
In this profile of activism across different countries, This Week In Asia hears from five women on the changes they are witnessing - and the challenges they still face.
BUSTING STEREOTYPES
Kolkata-based Taniya Sanyal is the first woman firefighter to be appointed by the Airports Authority of India. Photo: Taniya Sanyal alt=Kolkata-based Taniya Sanyal is the first woman firefighter to be appointed by the Airports Authority of India. Photo: Taniya Sanyal
In India's patriarchal society, it is difficult for women to enter careers that are considered traditionally male preserves. But despite discouragement and harassment, some Indian women have their hearts set on becoming trailblazers.
From a detective to an ambulance driver, and an aviation firefighter - learn more about the Indian women determined to make their mark.
FIGHTING CORONAVIRUS
Women across Asia have been playing a leading role in their communities amid the Covid-19 crisis - and female world leaders also have been praised.
But women are also among those most negatively affected by lockdown measures and experts warn the gender gap may be widening.
KINGDOMS OF WOMEN
Khasi women wash leaves for cooking in the village of Nongtraw in India's north-eastern Meghalaya state. Photo: AFP alt=Khasi women wash leaves for cooking in the village of Nongtraw in India's north-eastern Meghalaya state. Photo: AFP
Matriarchal and matrilineal communities centred around women have existed for centuries in China, India and Indonesia. But a recent influx of tourism, technology and mainstream patriarchal ideas is rapidly changing their way of life.
Here we take a closer look at the Mosuo people of Yunnan province, India's female-centric Garo and Khasi tribes and the Minangkabau, or Minang, community of Sumatra.
SINGLE BY CHOICE
An Indian woman wearing a mask pictured in Mumbai in May. Photo: EPA alt=An Indian woman wearing a mask pictured in Mumbai in May. Photo: EPA
There are more single women in India today than at any time since records began, yet discrimination, stereotypes and the patriarchy still abound.
The country's single women often find themselves labelled as morally loose or headstrong, forced to fight a constant uphill battle against societal prejudices - but many are now pushing back.
BATTLING BUREAUCRACY
Kaye and Dawn pictured with their mother Feli. Photo: Winson Wong alt=Kaye and Dawn pictured with their mother Feli. Photo: Winson Wong
Filipino sisters Kaye and Dawn were born in Hong Kong, but for three decades went without attending school, seeing a doctor or holding an identity card or passport.
Their mother, a former domestic worker, had overstayed her visa and after struggling to register them in the city she eventually gave up. Officially, the sisters did not exist - but after eventually receiving their birth certificates, they are now looking to help other people in similar situations.
SEEKING SUPPORT
Single mothers and women living in low income households have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. Photo: Maro Enriquez alt=Single mothers and women living in low income households have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. Photo: Maro Enriquez
Asia's women have been disproportionately affected by job losses amid the pandemic, with many suffering poverty as a result.
From anxious mums to academics - and the high-flying executives who see the crisis as an opportunity for reform - here we take a closer look at what needs to be done to bridge the region's gender divide.
UNEQUAL TREATMENT
Demonstrators hold placards during a protest in Nepal against a proposed law limiting travel. Photo: AFP alt=Demonstrators hold placards during a protest in Nepal against a proposed law limiting travel. Photo: AFP
Activists in Nepal have hit out against a planned law that the government say is intended to 'combat' incidents of women being exploited abroad as forced labour.
Critics say it reflects a patriarchal mindset that ignores women's rights - and repeats earlier restrictions that did little to end human trafficking.
BELT AND ROAD BRIDES
Ly Thi My, whose daughter went missing in a mountainous border area between Vietnam and China. Photo: AFP alt=Ly Thi My, whose daughter went missing in a mountainous border area between Vietnam and China. Photo: AFP
As Beijing's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative to boost infrastructure expands across Asia, experts say greater regional connectivity may have an unwanted by-product.
This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Copyright (c) 2021. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
