Socio-cultural aspects of gender-based violence and its impacts on women’s health in South Asia

<ns4:p>This review attempts to shed light on the socio-cultural roots of gender-based violence (GBV) and its impact on women's health with a special reference to reproductive health in the context of South Asia. It also identifies the policy and capacity gaps that impede the implementation of gender-related development goals and makes recommendations in light of the ongoing situation. </ns4:p> <ns4:p>Led by the growing recognition of the pivotal importance of women’s and child’s health in national development processes, the issues surrounding gender-based violence (GBV) are being given increasing prominence in the global public health agenda. However, developing regions such as South Asia and Sub Saharan Africa are lagging far behind in this respect and failing to prioritize and implement gender-related development…