The SDG Gender Index, a granular tool for understanding gender-based disparities across numerous sectors, is an initiative brought to life by Equal Measures 2030, a partnership involving multiple regional and global organizations. The index analyses 14 out of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) including poverty, health, education, literacy, political representation, and equality at the workplace. In the most recent ranking, India was placed at the 95th spot out of the 129 countries considered. A perfect score of 100 on this index signifies complete achievement of gender equality in relation to the set targets for each indicator.
About Equal Measures 2030 and the SDG Gender Index
Equal Measures 2030 involves various influential partners like the African Women’s Development and Communication Network, Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the International Women’s Health Coalition. Together, they developed the SDG Gender Index, a comprehensive measure of gender equality that spans 14 out of the 17 SDGs. This tool provides a comparative glimpse into how countries are performing in aspects as diverse as poverty eradication, health improvement, educational access, increased literacy, widening political representation, and promoting equal opportunities at work.
Scope of the SDG Gender Index
The index uses a scoring system where 100 marks symbolize the realization of gender equality as per the established targets for each relevant indicator. Covering over 129 countries, this index offers detailed insights into national and regional performances towards achieving gender parity. These scores enable governments, stakeholders, and policymakers to identify areas that need more focus, make informed decisions, and monitor progress over time.
India’s Performance
The latest ranking saw India positioned at the 95th place among 129 nations. Despite its impressive strides in several areas, the country is still grappling with significant gender inequality in various facets of society.
Key Findings for India
India’s best performance was noted in the health sector with a score of 79.9, followed by hunger and nutrition at 76.2, and energy at 71.8. The percentage of female students enrolled in primary education was also quite high at 95.3. However, the country fared poorly in areas like partnerships, ranking among the bottom ten countries worldwide with a score of only 18.3. Other low-scoring sectors were industry, infrastructure and innovation (38.1), climate (43.4), and political representation with a mere 23.6 score representing seats held by women in national parliaments.
| Aspect | Score |
|---|---|
| Health | 79.9 |
| Hunger & Nutrition | 76.2 |
| Energy | 71.8 |
| Primary Education | 95.3 |
| Partnerships | 18.3 |
| Industry, Infrastructure and Innovation | 38.1 |
| Climate | 43.4 |
| Political Representation | 23.6 |
Interpreting the Rankings
It is imperative to view these scores and rankings as indicators of regions needing critical attention to achieve gender parity. Policymakers must use these findings to direct their efforts and resources more strategically. While the road ahead might seem challenging, such platforms bring forth the robust data required for catalyzing change and making informed decisions. Creating a world that values and upholds gender equality goes beyond being a social necessity; it is a requisite for sustainable global development.
