The 2024 Global Gender Gap Index paints a troubling picture for India, ranking it 129th out of 146 countries. Despite some progress, India remains in the bottom 20 percentile, showing persistent gender disparities.

Understanding the Global Gender Gap Index

The Global Gender Gap Index, developed by the World Economic Forum in 2006, measures gender equality across four sub-indices: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

Each sub-index aggregates various indicators to give a score ranging from 0 (complete disparity) to 1 (complete parity). The index highlights relative gender gaps rather than absolute statuses, offering valuable insights into measurable and trackable areas.

India’s Performance in Sub-indices

Health and Survival 

India scores 0.951, closing 95.1% of the gender gap in health and survival, yet ranks 142nd out of 146 countries. This paradox indicates significant progress but also reveals that other countries have advanced more rapidly.

Educational Attainment 

India has closed 96.4% of the gender gap in education, ranking 112th globally. While the achievements are notable, other nations have made more significant strides, reflecting India’s relative lag.

Economic Participation and Opportunity 

With a score of 39.8%, India ranks 142nd in economic participation and opportunity. Although this is an improvement from 32.6% in 2021, it remains significantly lower than the 2012 score of 46%. Factors such as labor force participation, managerial positions, wage gaps, and wage parity contribute to this low score. Countries with similar economic parity challenges include Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, and Morocco.

Political Empowerment 

India has closed only 25.1% of the gender gap in political empowerment, ranking 65th globally, a significant drop from the 51st position in 2021. This decline reflects reduced political participation for women over the past decade, indicating regression in this area.

Regional Comparison and Broader Economic Implications

Regional Comparison 

Within South Asia, which ranks seventh out of eight global regions, India is fifth among seven countries, with Bangladesh leading at 99th globally. This regional standing highlights India’s struggles with gender parity compared to its neighbors.

Economic Implications of Gender Inequality 

Gender inequality has substantial economic costs. The OECD estimates that gender-based discrimination in social institutions could cost the global economy up to $12 trillion. Mainstreaming gender equality into economic policy-making can significantly boost GDP growth rates.

Social Implications and Long-term Benefits of Gender Equality

Gender equality is crucial not just economically but also socially. Empowering women leads to better health, education, and social stability outcomes. Women’s economic empowerment positively impacts their children’s education and health, creating a beneficial intergenerational effect. Inclusive decision-making in corporate and political spheres results in more equitable policies and societies.

Key Strategies to Address Gender Inequality

Educational Investments

Equal access to education for girls and women.Promotion of STEM education for girls to bridge gender gaps in high-paying fields.

Supportive Work Environments

Policies supporting work-life balance, such as maternity/paternity leave, affordable childcare, and flexible hours, to encourage female workforce participation.

Equal Pay Legislation

Enforcing equal pay laws.Implementing transparent pay structures and regular audits.

Entrepreneurship Support

Providing capital, training, and mentorship for women entrepreneurs to stimulate economic growth.

Inferences

India’s position in the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index underscores significant challenges, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment. Recognizing the economic and social benefits of gender equality, India must integrate gender considerations into its core economic strategies and foster a societal environment that treats women as equal stakeholders in all aspects of life.