This research publication by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS) and TalentNomics India, through Thought Arbitrage Consulting (TAC), looks at four dimensions of economic empowerment of women in the formal sector in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Building on existing literature, the research contributes new data gathered from a survey of over 1,000 participants, focused group discussions (FGDs), roundtables and key expert interviews conducted in the target countries. It critically looks at gender gaps in the workplace, assesses financial well-being as a domain of economic equality, women’s physical, mental, and emotional health, and analyses government and other policies that promote women’s economic empowerment.

The views, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are solely those of its authors and do not reflect the views of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, or its employees.