The Political Role of Southeast Asian Women

Women's political roles in six Southeast Asian countries are surveyed. It is found that women have equal legal privileges in running for offices or voting, but that their actual role in these activities is minor, except in the Philip pines. However, quantitative indicators such as the number of women voters may underestimate the political role of South east Asian women. Using Thailand as a case study, it is shown that women can influence the political processes impor tantly in ways outside the legislative process. For example, Thai women are a highly important force in Thai education and in professional associations. They also have a significant role in higher levels of the Thai bureaucracy. Nevertheless, the political role of women in Southeast Asia is limited, not legally, but by other factors such as substantial domestic duties limiting the time available to participate actively in politics. Significant changes in the political role of women in Southeast Asia are not foreseen. Their direct influence in the legislative process will continue to be secondary, but they will increase their influence in other phases of political processes, perhaps behind the scenes.