India’s Rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024

Source: The post India’s rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024 has been created, based on the article “Cost of inequality: What India’s 129 rank in Global Gender Gap Index means” published in “Indian express” on 20th June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- economy-growth, development, and inclusive growth

Context: The article discusses India’s ranking on the Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting improvements and persistent gender gaps in health, education, economic participation, and political empowerment. It stresses the need to mainstream gender equality into economic policies for better outcomes.

For detailed information on Global Gender Gap Index 2024 read Article 1, Article 2

What Does the Global Gender Gap Index Measure?

1. The Global Gender Gap Index was introduced in 2006.
2. It measures gender gaps in four areas: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
3. The index ranges from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating complete parity.

What is India’s Rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024?

1. In 2024, India is ranked 129th out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index. This position places India 18th from the bottom. In 2021, India was 17th from the bottom out of 156 countries.
2. India’s “Health and Survival Score” is 0.951, meaning 95.1% of the gender gap is closed.
3. In educational attainment, 96.4% of the gap is closed. Despite these scores, India ranks 112th in education and 142nd in health among 146 countries.
4. India scores 39.8% in economic participation, ranking 142nd among 146 countries.
5. India has closed 25.1% of the gender gap in political participation, ranking 65th globally. This rank has worsened from 51 in 2021.
6. South Asia ranks 7th out of eight regions globally. India ranks 5th within South Asia, with Bangladesh leading the region at 99th globally.

What Are the Economic Costs of Gender Inequality?

1. Gender-based discrimination could cost the global economy up to $12 trillion, according to the OECD.
2. Reducing gender discrimination can increase GDP growth.

3.Gender equality should be part of economic policy making, not an afterthought. Equality in the economic sphere requires society to treat women as independent and capable adults. Women should be free to make choices and included as equals in decision-making at all levels.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s performance on the Global Gender Gap Index 2024, highlighting key areas of improvement and persistent challenges.