This study aims to set the phenomenon in the region of five women heads of state - Khalida Zia (Bangladesh), Indira Gandhi (India), Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan), Srimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga (Sri Lanka) – of the seven countries of South Asia in perspective. There is much information to be found on South Asia, the subject of women has only been mentioned in passing. Most of the information on women and their rights and issues has come from women researchers, activists and organisations. Therefore, writing about women in SAARC countries has been an energetic yet challenging task. Kumudhini Rosa takes on this challenge as she writes Women of South Asia, compiling the little analytical information available, along with the results of a literature survey that was carried out for this publication.