Thought Arbitrage Consulting (“TAC”) in collaboration with TalentNomics India (“TI”) was commissioned to conduct a study for Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s (“KAS”) Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS). The study titled “Bridging the Gender Gap – Work, Wealth, Welfare and Well-being for Women,” aimed to assess gender equality and women’s economic empowerment with particular emphasis on 4Ws viz Work, Wealth, Welfare and Well-being.

The study focused on women employed in the formal sector in 3 countries in South Asia, viz, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, to explore the reasons for existing gender inequalities and lack of economic empowerment (if any). It was compared with a better developed country in South-East Asia, namely Thailand.

Our approach to the study blended rigorous analysis of secondary data with insights from primary sources. We drew from globally recognised indicators, such as those from the World Bank, its Women, Business and the Law reports and the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (amongst other sources). To triangulate this data and deepen our understanding of the realities in each country, we conducted surveys (with more than 1,100 respondents), one-on-one interviews, as well as focused group discussions and roundtables. These conversations informed our findings and revealed the cultural norms and policies that either accelerate or hinder women’s career growth.

This is not just a report — it is a call to action, a meaningful contribution to the ongoing public discourse worldwide, and a roadmap for creating a more equitable, inclusive and prosperous future for all. Our report offers concrete, actionable solutions aimed at fostering real change. We provide a comprehensive set of tailored recommendations for policymakers as well as the formal sector, outlining clear and practical steps that can advance gender equity.