Sociolegal Status of Women in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand

Abstract

This publication is based on the report of a regional technical assistance (RETA) study supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a knowledge base on the sociolegal status of women in four of its developing member countries (DMCs)—Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. The study was carried out by a team of consultants managed by Agrodev Canada Inc. under the guidance and supervision of ADB staff. The primary objectives of this regional TA were to (i) review and compile a knowledge base on the sociolegal status of women in four DMCs for use in ADB operations; (ii) assess these DMCs' legal constraints on women's participation in economic and social activities; (iii) identify the nature of law reform and strategic entry points for legal reforms, institution-building, and training activities that have potential for ADB involvement; and (iv) develop legally based strategies and actions to protect and promote women's economic and social status.