Such abuse is seldom reported to the police. Abused wives sometimes return to their families if mediation fails. The country is male dominated, and women generally occupy a subordinate role. For a woman to rise to a position of leadership, she usually needs to have the support of the nobility or to possess exceptional talent. The King's mother reigned for many years, and a royal princess is one of the country's most prominent businesspersons.
Some female commoners hold senior leadership positions in business.
Some village women, with help from NGO's, led local development projects. The Government has a women's unit in the Prime Minister's office. Although some NGO's initially viewed this unit with suspicion, it appeared to be functioning cooperatively with them. Many young, educated women still consider the unit to be ineffective. A government-sponsored National Council of Women is making positive contributions.