A large part of Eastern morality and philosophy stems from the Buddhist tradition, as well as Confucianism, in which a large emphasis is placed on "balance," moderation, and duty. Typified by reincarnation, karma, and nirvana, despite new-found understanding amongst Western intelligencia and "New Agers," Buddhism still mystifies a large portion of Western society. Islam, another large contributor to Eastern morality, focuses on duty and discipline, literally "Submission to God," governed by Sharia Law. This code has been seen by many Westerners as gender discriminatory, archaic, and oppressive.

Are not many of the difficulties of the world, which we find ourselves in today, the result of misunderstanding and a division of cultures?
Differences between Western and Eastern Philosophy

One case study reveals differences between the business ethics of students from "Confucian cultures" and American students

Along with knowing and comprehending these misunderstanding and differences in culture, it is also valuable to acknowledge the different interpretations of religious text throughout the ages. For example, the Qu'ran has been interpreted and re-interpreted by different scholars throughout time, sometimes for their own material and ideological gains (The Veil and the Male Elite, Mernissi 45). So, these Western notions of gender discrimination often derive from the interpretations of religious texts, not what those religious texts actually state. It is unfortunate though that these interpretations seeped into the Eastern culture and had a profound, if not degrading, impact on the status and roles of women. Interestingly, during the first one hundred and fifty years of Islam, women were treated as equal as men (Women and Gender in Islam, Leila Ahmed). And a closer analysis of the Qu'ran will point out just how egalitarian, in regards to gender, Islam really is. For further information about the role of women in early Islamic communities, see:
Women in Islam