What is the Gender Inequality Index (GII)?

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What is the Gender Inequality Index (GII)?

The Gender Inequality Index (GII) is a measure that quantifies gender-based inequalities in various aspects of human development, including reproductive health, empowerment, and economic participation. It was introduced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the Human Development Report.

The GII takes into account three key dimensions of gender inequality: reproductive health, empowerment, and economic activity. Within these dimensions, it considers various indicators such as maternal mortality ratio, adolescent birth rates, educational attainment, political representation, labor force participation, and income levels.

By combining these indicators, the GII provides a comprehensive assessment of gender inequality within a country. It is calculated on a scale of 0 to 1, with a higher value indicating higher levels of gender inequality. A GII value closer to 1 signifies greater disparities between genders, while a value closer to 0 indicates lower levels of gender inequality.

The GII serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and advocates to identify areas where gender inequality persists and to design targeted interventions for promoting gender equality. It helps in monitoring progress over time and comparing gender disparities across countries, thereby contributing to the overall goal of achieving gender equality and inclusive economic development.