Email addresses for Haula Noor and Fina Itriyati weren't supplied, so haven't been added as Speakers.

This session explores the intersections of gender, authority, and identity across urban and rural landscapes in Asia, investigating how these spaces uniquely shape and are shaped by gendered experiences. In many Asian societies, the constructs of authority and identity are deeply influenced by historical legacies, including colonial impacts and traditional hierarchies, yet they are also continuously reshaped by the forces of modernisation and globalization. By examining both urban and rural contexts, this session aims to highlight the nuanced ways in which gender identities and power dynamics manifest and diverge across these settings.

Each presentation addresses different facets of gendered spaces, from the evolving roles of women in rural spheres influenced by colonial perceptions to the assertion of female authority in rapidly modernising urban centers. Together, these papers reveal how modernity offers both challenges and opportunities for marginalised groups to navigate, negotiate, and redefine their roles within society. Through case studies across diverse Asian contexts, this session sheds light on how space, gender, and authority intersect to shape identity, allowing for a comparative understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that drive these dynamics.

Ultimately, this session contributes to a broader understanding of how spatial politics influence gender relations and identity formation in Asia, offering insights into the ways that traditional norms and modern ideals coalesce and clash within varied geographical and cultural landscapes.