The 'Asian Aunty' is smashing ageist and gender stereotypes

'Aunty' leaders are tackling a widely normalized form of 'othering'

- KARISHMA VASWANI

The Asian aunty has a lot to teach us about gendered stereotypes and how to fight them. The term, often used as a sign of respect, has also become a way to indicate that a woman is past her prime. It isn't unusual to hear younger men and women call their older female colleagues or friends "aunties" as a put-down, only half in jest. But now some Asian women are challenging that narrative, and offering alternative models of ageing.

Politically, these women are important: They vote in greater numbers than before. Parties from India to Indonesia are now targeting female voters. Governments around the region should take note. It makes economic sense to do this. By 2050, the number of people aged 60 or older will reach 2.1 billion globally, mostly women. They play a pivotal role in society, as providers of child care, elder care and domestic labour. This unpaid or underpaid work allows families to work and save more, indirectly contributing to GDP growth. Yet they are too often economically excluded and socially marginalized, and vulnerable to abuse, neglect and exploitation.