Empowerment of Women in Rural Areas of Asia: Affirming Sustainable Solutions vis-à-vis Technology

In the aftermath of the pandemic, rural Asia is experiencing a rapid transition as large-scale investments are being made to increase productivity, technological advances are being implemented, and sustainable tools and methods are being applied. Transitions of this nature will benefit the rural economy while helping reduce poverty. Even though the rural sector in Asia significantly influences women’s lives, they are hindered by economic and social barriers that prevent them from playing a more prominent role in society. It is difficult for women to access education and resources, and gender-based discrimination hinders the advancement of women. The economic opportunities available to women in rural areas are limited, and their labor is often undervalued or unpaid. This has a detrimental effect on the economic and social development of the region. It has become increasingly apparent in recent years that rural women must be empowered. A direct link between economic empowerment and sustainability is only sometimes the case. It is still difficult for rural women to realize their rights and attain sustainability due to systemic barriers and patriarchal social norms. This paper aims to provide strategies for closing gaps in the current approach to empowering women by examining persistent barriers and suggesting key measures to eliminate existing inequalities by sustainability.