Asia’s Economic Integration in the Global Economy and the Importance of Investments in Female Education

Over the last several decades, Asian labor markets have experienced significant adjustments resulting from their increased integration into the global market which have transformed women’s relationship within the labor market. In general, women have gained access to jobs in primarily low-skilled manufacturing industries and the service sector but have secured limited access to higher-skilled positions where there is more room for advancement. This is, in part, a result of the shortfalls in women’s education relative to males. Asia’s future competitiveness in the global economy and women’s economic empowerment in these countries hinge on the way Asia manages its investments in human capital. This paper evaluates the data on educational outcomes in Asia, drawing particular attention to regions that face significant gender gaps, and examines the directions in which Asia should take its investments in women’s education in order to improve women’s engagement in the economy and to allow these countries to take better advantage of the global market.