This paper begins with a review of the cultural and political background of selected Asian countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kuwait, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, the Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam). The focus of the paper is on the importance of the fisheries industry in these economies and the involvement of women in the fisheries industry. Women in most of these countries do not enjoy the basic human rights that their male counterparts enjoy. Issues pertaining to gender inequality in the fisheries sector, and solutions to overcome some of these issues are also discussed.