Development Challenges in South Asia: A Contemporary Discussion on Gender Inequality

Abstract

The human development index (HDI) ranking and its value indicate the development challenge in South Asia, where the region is performing impressively in terms of economic growth. However, social development is still perceived in terms of the worst scenario. The South Asian region continues the policy of socio-economic exclusion on the basis of caste, ethnicity, religion and gender. According to the study, the international organisations and the countries of the region are following the development indicator adopted by the United Nations and its institutions. The background of South Asia is like a battleground for a cycle of conflicts; religious, ethnic, and caste conflict cause people to be economically marginalised due to these tensions. The political tension between India and Pakistan results in a constantly fragile situation. In this context, the article explores contemporary development challenges and gender inequality in South Asia.