Leading from Offstage: Regional Synthesis of Women's Leadership and Participation in COVID-19 Response and Recovery in Asia

Women’s rights organisations (WROs) have had important roles in COVID-19 response and recovery across Asia. However, WROs’ contributions are not being maximised, because they and individual women often lack representation in the forums in which strategic decisions are taken. This report provides a regional snapshot of how women and WROs have been leading and participating in COVID-19 response and recovery, including barriers and enablers, and identifies recommendations for key actors in the recovery and future crises. It is based on studies commissioned by UN Women, as well as literature on experiences across the region since the onset of the pandemic.