Gender Inequality Index (GII): Indian Economy Notes for UPSC

Gender Inequality Index (GII)

The Gender Inequality Index (GII) is a composite measure introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to quantify gender disparities in three critical areas of human development. Unlike the Gender Development Index (GDI), which measures gender gaps, GII focuses on inequality and its impact on social and economic progress.

Key Features of GII

1. Dimensions of GII:

   • Reproductive Health:
     • Maternal mortality ratio (MMR).
     • Adolescent birth rate (ABR).
   • Empowerment:
     • Proportion of parliamentary seats held by women.
     • Female and male population with secondary education or higher.
   • Labor Market Participation:
     • Female and male labor force participation rates.

2. Scoring:

• GII values range between 0 and 1.
• A value of 0 indicates perfect equality, and 1 indicates maximum inequality.

Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

Definition: The number of women who die due to complications during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days after delivery per 100,000 live births in a year.

Example: If 100 women die out of 1,00,000 live births in a country, the MMR is 100.

Adolescent Birth Rate (ABR)

Definition: The number of live births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19 years in a given year.

Example: If 25 live births occur for every 1,000 teenage girls in a country, the ABR is 25.

Significance

• Highlights how gender inequality limits social and economic development.
• Serves as a tool for policymakers to identify areas requiring targeted interventions.
• Reflects the interconnections between gender inequality and broader development challenges.

India's Performance

In the 2023 Human Development Report, India ranked 122nd out of 191 countries in the GII:

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): 103 per 100,000 live births.
• Adolescent Birth Rate (ABR): 12.2 births per 1,000 women aged 15–19.
• Women in Parliament: Approximately 15%.
• Female Labor Force Participation: Remains low at 25.1%.

Current Affairs

• Women’s Reservation Bill: The 2023 passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill promises 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures, a potential game-changer for female political empowerment.
• Schemes to Reduce Inequality:
  • Mission Shakti: Focuses on women’s safety and empowerment.
  • National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Promotes economic inclusion for rural women.
• Global Initiatives: India actively participated in the UN Women’s Generation Equality Campaign, highlighting its commitment to gender equality.

GII highlights the challenges and opportunities for achieving gender parity, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts in health, education, and empowerment to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

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