Women, work and care in the Asia Pacific Edited by M. Baird, M. Ford and E. Hill

Gender equality is at the centre of government policy agendas around the world. Boosting women’s labour force participation is seen as the key to economic growth and human development in developing economies, and as an important way of managing ageing population crises in advanced welfare states. Yet, there is scant recognition, especially in developing countries, of the significance of care responsibilities in shaping women’s participation in the labour market. Scholars have analysed the connections between gender, work and care in the rich countries of the Global North, but little research addresses the Asia-Pacific – a region that is home to more than half the world’s population and over 40% of domestic workers. In this compelling collection, the editors – Marian Baird, Michelle Ford and Elizabeth Hill – put the spotlight on this diverse and complex region.