The statement that best describes how sexism affects the economies of many South Asian countries is: "some women do not equal educational opportunities and so cannot contribute as much to the economy."
This statement highlights the systemic barriers that prevent women from gaining the same educational opportunities as men, which directly impacts their ability to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to economic growth. Education is a critical factor for empowerment and economic participation, and disparities in access to education can lead to long-term negative effects on a country's overall economic development.