ABSTRACT
Ideology of gender as evolved in the South Asian region places women firmly in the domestic sphere, with their primary responsibility being rearing and caring for the children and housekeeping. This chapter analyzes the impact of the struggle for independence from British colonial rule on reinforcing women's traditional reproductive role in South Asian society. It examines the seeming disconnect between the high-visibility female political leadership as manifested by the string of elected female heads of state and the dismal showing of female political representation in elected legislative bodies in every country of South Asia. The chapter also analyzes the public policy on "gender quota system" and its structure and form, as it has been implemented in the region. It discusses the effects of gender-based violence and systemic corruption in the political spaces on women's ability to enter as well as play a role in the political arena in South Asia.
