Researchers often find scant data on such barriers for women--including limited access to assets, business regulatory and goverance issues, and obstructed avenues for expanding businesses and trading with larger markets. Economic Oppprtunities for Women in the East Asia and Pacific Region brings together the data for the first time and conducts a systematic analysis. The authors present recommendations and highlight entry points for policy changes that have the potential to engender private sector development by increasing economic opportunities for women in the region. The authors identify a hierarchy of constraints and suggest areas for reform that may be tailored to the needs of different countries.

A more level economic playing field can unlock hidden growth potential. Bringing about greater economic equality will be a long-term process and will require changes in institutions and established ways of operating and doing business. It will also require changes in the subtle, cultural contexts in which women-led businesses operate.

This book will interest policy makers, donors, nongovernmental organizations, and researchers who want to further examine the constraints holding back female entrepreneurs in East Asia and the Pacific.

"The Asia-Pacific region has been growing fast in recent years, but to lay the foundagtion for post-recession growth and to be as successful as possible, it will be crucial for the region to unleash women's economic potential. I hope that in highlighting the many challenges women face, this publication can contribute to this goal."--Melanne Verveer, United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues --Book Jacket.�
Abstract: This book analyzes the regulatory, institutional, and cultural factors that affect the ability of female entrepreneurs to do business in East Asia and the Pacific. The authors give recommendations based on their analysis.�