Women and Human Security in South Asia The Cases of Bangladesh and Pakistan

This edited volume foregrounds women’s experiences in the broader discourse on human security in South Asia. It argues that the human security of women cannot be subsumed within general frameworks because gendered vulnerabilities are distinctive, systemic and persistent. The collection brings together empirical studies from Bangladesh and Pakistan covering violence, health, education, labor markets, political participation and environmental stress. Contributors trace how patriarchal norms, discriminatory laws, wage gaps, underrepresentation in institutions and exposure to climate disasters combine to constrain women’s choices and safety. Case studies document not only violence—domestic abuse, honor killings, workplace harassment—but also resilience strategies such as women’s cooperatives, microcredit groups, advocacy networks and entry into new sectors of employment. Comparative analysis shows both similarities and differences in trajectories between the two countries, pointing to the need for locally grounded but regionally coordinated responses. The book thus enriches both gender studies and policy debates on security by making visible the lived realities of half the population.