LUCKNOW, March 7 -- A recent study by the economics department of Lucknow University found that gender inequality in South Asia gradually decreased between 2003 and 2022. Improvements in health services-such as improved maternity health services, increased life expectancy, and reduced child mortality-have played a significant role in reducing this gap.

Despite improvements in health and education, the study highlights that women's labour market participation remains a major challenge in South Asia.

Social perceptions that domestic work and care-giving are primarily women's responsibility, lack of adequate childcare facilities, and safety concerns limit women's economic participation.

LU faculty member prof Roli Misra said increasing wo...