Understanding the Gender Inequality Index (GII)

- The GII is a composite index assessing gender inequality using three metrics: reproductive health, empowerment, and the labour market participation.

- The GII values range from 0 to 1 with 0 indicating equality and 1 indicating extreme levels of inequality. For this evaluation, a low GII value is ideal, signifying low inequality between women and men.

India’s Remarkable Progress in 2022 GII Ranking

- In the recent GII 2022 report by UNDP, India ranked 108th out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.437.

- In comparison to the GII 2021, wherein India stood at 122 out of 191 countries, it can be observed that the nation moved up by 14 ranks in one year.

- Analysis of the last decade shows a consistent improvement in India’s GII rankings, providing hope for better gender equality in the future.

Challenges Contributing to Gender Inequality in India

- Gender-Based Violence: A widespread issue, with nearly a third of all Indian women having experienced physical or sexual violence per the National Family Health Survey-5.

- Unequal Access to Education: Cultural, economic and safety factors interfered with the enrolment, retention and completion rates of girls in schools.

- Invisible Labour: Women’s contributions in the form of unpaid work- household chores, childcare, elderly care- are often unacknowledged.

- Gender Wage Gap: The estimated income distribution per the World Inequality Report 2022 displayed an enormous wage gap, with men earning 82% of the labour income, and women merely 18%.

- Child Marriage: India houses one in three of the world's child brides per UNESCO. Though the occurrence decreased by half from 47% in 2006, certain states still report higher instances than the national average.

Government Measures for Gender Equality Promotion

- Several schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila Shakti Kendra, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojna, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna have been launched for the protection, education, and empowerment of the girl child.

- To further women's economic independence, initiatives such as the National Creche Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Gender Budget, and Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme have been initiated.

- In terms of political representation, 33% reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Constitutional Amendment Act ensuring one-third of all seats for women provide an encouraging picture.

- The implementation of various programmes like Vigyan Jyoti, promoting higher education for girls, and One Stop Centres for violence support also contribute significantly towards gender equality.

Global Gender Gap Report Findings

- India ranked 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report, 2023.

- The report analyses the state and progress of gender parity across four dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, Political Empowerment.

In conclusion, India presents a mixed picture with significant advancements in gender equality marked by improved GII rankings while outlined by persistent deep-rooted societal challenges. The proactive and holistic initiatives by the government indeed provide optimism for reaching a future with improved gender equality.