Global Gender Gap Index 2025
The Global Gender Gap Index 2025, released by the World Economic Forum, provides insights into gender parity across various countries. India ranks 131 out of 148 countries, slipping two places from the previous year with a parity score of 64.1%.
Key Dimensions of Measurement
- Economic Participation and Opportunity: India's score improved by +0.9 percentage points to 40.7%, with estimated earned income parity rising from 28.6% to 29.9%. Labour force participation remained stable at 45.9%.
- Educational Attainment: India achieved a score of 97.1%, showing positive shifts in female literacy rates and tertiary education enrolment.
- Health and Survival: Improvement noted in sex ratio at birth and healthy life expectancy, despite an overall reduction in life expectancy for both sexes.
- Political Empowerment: A slight drop in parity by -0.6 points, with female representation in Parliament decreasing to 13.8% and ministerial roles to 5.6%.
Regional Performance
Bangladesh emerged as the best performer in South Asia, ranking 24th globally, while other countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, and Pakistan followed at lower ranks.
Global Trends
The global gender gap has closed to 68.8%, with full parity estimated to be 123 years away. Iceland leads the rankings, followed by Finland, Norway, the UK, and New Zealand.
Conclusion
Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, emphasized that advancing gender parity is crucial for economic renewal, especially during times of global economic uncertainty.
