Reading Profile on the Status of Women in Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP, 1982) is an annotated bibliography containing 470 references on women's status and participation in development throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The publication was prepared to support researchers, planners, and policy-makers during the United Nations Decade for Women by compiling recent literature published mainly between 1975 and 1982. It reviews major issues affecting women, including rural development, economic participation, education, health, population, culture, legislation, and national machinery for women's advancement. The volume emphasizes persistent gender inequalities, especially among rural women, while documenting progress in education, employment, health services, and policy development across the region. Through extensive annotated references, conference reports, country studies, and bibliographic resources, it provides a comprehensive research guide for understanding the status of women and promoting their integration into development programmes.