On 31 January 2012, International IDEA, in collaboration with the Women Caucus of the Constituent Assembly (CA) of Nepal, CA Secretariat and Nepal Law Society launched the book Women Members of the Constituent Assembly: A study on contribution of women in constitution making in Nepal, in Kathmandu. Available in English and Nepali, it includes stories of political journeys of 197 women CA members, reflecting their struggles, their hopes and their perseverance in bringing equality to Nepali society.

The elected women members comprise almost 33 percent of the 601 members and include seasoned politicians, women activists, professionals, former combatants, spouses of martyrs, and young women starting their political careers. Whatever their background, they have made their contribution to the constitution drafting process. Their contributions in the CA have, however, remained largely unrecognized.

The Timorese-born Australian Angelita Pires recently declared her nomination in East Timor's Presidential election and is now preparing to begin her campaign. Pires says she's running to address problems in the justice system and to help provide universal access to justice.

"My candidacy was mostly due to the request of many, many people, many poor people and many of those youths and women who felt that they don't have access to justice and they felt that they wanted a change. Until today they insist that they want a new face and new ideas," said Peres in this interview.

An elections panel Monday affirmed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's candidacy for Myanmar's Parliament in another step toward political openness in a country emerging from nearly a half-century of iron-fisted military rule.

A victory in the April 1 by-elections would be historic. Suu Kyi could have a voice in Parliament for the first time after spending most of the last two decades under house arrest.

A National League for Democracy spokesman confirmed the commission had approved her candidacy. "There is no objection to her nomination and we can say that her candidacy is officially accepted," Nyan Win said.

The Thai prime minister Yingluck Sinawatra said that women were a strong symbol of non-violence and would play important roles in bringing about political reconciliation in Thailand as part of her opening remkarks at the 42nd World Economic Forum (WEF). 

She called for an end to women's inequity and violence in society. She said women had positive features that could better society - such as attention to details and good understanding, and attention to children and youth.

Speaking to hundreds at the international WEF audience, Yingluck said that her government had set up a fund to support women and to promote universal education for girls.