GENDER AND POLITICAL ECONOMY : EXPLORATION OF SOUTH ASIAN WOMENMost of the countries in the region are undergoing rapid social and economic change. The obstacles to women's participation in and benefits from these changes mean that the potential contribution of half of the population of these countries is either unutilized or underutilized, signifying an economic loss to the country. The direct links of expanded opportunities for women, especially in education and income generating acivites, with reduction in