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Strong son preference in parts of Asia has led to serious discriminatory practices towards girls and women, with disturbing effects on their status, health and development. The significant male surplus in some populations resulting from the excess of male births since 1980 has an impact on the sex ratios at birth and subsequently affected the dynamics of marriage in several regions of this continent. The lack of women available for marriage has created further discrimination through increased violence against women, trafficking, abduction, forced marriages, or sharing brides among brothers as different practices in different countries. Girls who are born also face discrimination in their lives through unequal opportunities for health care, education and fulfilling their aspirations.