Traditions and equality: Need for reforms in personal laws for gender equality in Asian countries

AbstractGender equality significantly is an excellent challenge in many countries of Asia, where customs (traditional norms) and laws (Legislative codification of customs) both are in favour of men and squeeze women's rights and opportunities. Personal laws, which generally deal with areas like marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and other family matters, are often blamed on deeply rooted gender biases. In this research paper, the researcher has tried to discover the state's role in shaping gender equality through legislative and judicial actions in developing Asian countries. This research particularly emphasises the need for reforms in the pluralist legal framework of these countries. It is argued that on the one hand, if personal laws should respect cultural and religious diversity, then on the other hand, they must also be reformed to ensure gender equality. With the help of case studies across Asian countries, especially India, Indonesia, and Pakistan, the paper highlights the conflict between religious traditions and the principles of gender equity. It suggests pathways for legal reform that may harmonize pluralism with equality.