Editorial
In this day of women's liberation and recognition of women's political right as basic human rights, it is unfortunate that the representative and advocates of women's rights at national level are suffering from gross violation of human rights. South Asia has always been able to boast for pioneering achievements of women leaders in the entire world, yet women from grassroots have no political voice and are unable to reach decision-making positions in the region. Although some improvements in the representation of women in politics have been observed in South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India and Pakistan , the overall representation at all levels of political governance is still very low. The gender insensitive political culture of the region has made it difficult for women politicians to firmly establish themselves in decision-making positions. the intensely competitive world of men dominated politics ,patriarchal mindset and masculine culture of politics in itself is a major obstacle to women's participation .In South Asia , politics ensures status and is lucrative source of income and power over which men desire to control. The reluctance of political parties to nominate women candidates is a crucial factor, discouraging women's participation in political governance. Therefore, it has been crucial to bring the discussion about the impediments to women's effective participation in political governance to the forefront at the regional level in order to find out ways to resolve the problems and encourage women's participation in all levels of political governance.
