PR Newswire
11 Sep 2023, 08:05 GMT+10
![]() |
ADELAIDE, Australia, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Deep rooted historical preference for sons over daughters continues to be customary in some East and South Asian countries devaluing women and posing long term threats to society.
This disturbing situation, often leading to female feticide - or gender selective abortion - has been particularly prevalent where males are more valued for religious, social, cultural and economic reasons.
The patriarchal traditions embedded in some Asian Pacific populations have created a critical gender imbalance with a huge surplus of men, leaving women struggling for recognition and equality in families, workplaces and society.
The complex issue of so-called discrimination at the womb came sharply into the spotlight at the 2023 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in South Australia.
Indian fertility specialist, Dr Jaideep Malhotra, said according to the latest United Nations population projections the worldwide gender ratio was expected to even out by 2050.
"But this projection is about numbers of men and women in the world, not real equality," she told the ASPIRE meeting of leaders in assisted reproduction from the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
"In terms of health and survival, educational attainment, economic participation and opportunity, and political empowerment, the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index prepared by the World Economic Forum estimates that the gender gap in East Asia and the Pacific will not close for another 180 years.
"This compares with 67 years in Europe and 96 years in North America," Dr Malhotra explained.
Dr Malhotra said the cultural values of patrilineal descent were ingrained in countries where male offspring are considered essential to maintain bloodlines and provide economic security for their families.
"As a result, women are often under immense family and societal pressure to produce sons and, if not, girls can be born into unwelcome family environments as unwanted children.
"This also causes discrimination against girls in nutritional and medical care and, in worst cases, illegal abortions, girl babies being given away for adoption or abandoned.
"While there is an argument for parent autonomy and their rights to control their family structure, the topic of designing one's own family is highly contentious and controversial.
"Advances in reproductive technology make embryonic gender selection possible and people in higher socio-economic circumstances can afford to access this treatment. But for those on lower socio-economic levels there is a slippery slope that can lead misguided people into the dark side practice of gender selection."
Dr Malhotra said an unbalanced gender ratio could have a ripple effect across many aspects of society with some countries unable to sustain a birth rate that matches or exceeds its death rate.
"This in turn can result in a decreasing population and fewer able-bodied workers entering the workforce, ultimately leading to a stagnant or shrinking economy and reduced gross domestic product."
Dr Malhotra said the United Nations Population Fund had launched a global program to prevent son preference and gender-based gender selection and governments in various countries were working on gender equality interventions.
"Public advocacy campaigns are also being rolled out to help combat traditional attitudes towards girls, but in some places the issue is so ingrained it will take a long time to achieve real change," she added.
"Good stewardship is needed whereby countries implement policies through legislation and programs addressing women's rights, education deficits and socio-economic disadvantage so that they are seen as independent and empowered members of society."
Dr Malhotra said the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) had initiated a range of programs to support women in pregnancy care and parenting, and in the prevention of domestic violence against women.
The ASPIRE Congress is being held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
INTERVIEW:
Dr Jaideep Malhotra is available for interview.
Get a daily dose of Asia Pacific Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Asia Pacific Star.
More InformationDHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, celebrated by thousands of followers in the Himalayan town of Dharamshala,...
HONG KONG: China has fired back at the European Union in an escalating trade dispute by imposing new restrictions on medical device...
(250712) -- YONGIN, July 12, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Hosoya Mao (2nd L) of Japan vies for the ball during the men's match between China and...
Over the past three years, China-Australia relations have steadily stabilized, improved and delivered tangible results through joint...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): In a historic move to strengthen and unify the para sports movement across South Asia, the South...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): The Indian U20 women's team have arrived in Tashkent to play two friendly matches against Uzbekistan...
SAN FRANCISCO, California: Nvidia, the Silicon Valley chipmaker at the heart of the artificial intelligence boom, this week briefly...
REDMOND, Washington: Artificial intelligence is transforming Microsoft's bottom line. The company saved over US$500 million last year...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A federal rule designed to make it easier for Americans to cancel subscriptions has been blocked by a U.S. appeals...
BASTROP, Texas: In a surprising turn at Elon Musk's X platform, CEO Linda Yaccarino announced she is stepping down, just months after...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak will return to Goldman Sachs in an advisory role, the Wall Street...
LONDON, U.K.: Physically backed gold exchange-traded funds recorded their most significant semi-annual inflow since the first half...