The Paths to Equal: Multidimensional Framework to Measure Empowerment Deficiency and Gender Gap

Abstract

Paths to equal is a comprehensive view of nations’ advancements in women’s empowerment and gender equality because this is based on two indices WEI and GGPI. The main theme of this article is to analyse different aspects of multidimensional framework used by UNDP to measure empowerment gap and gender gap. This is a review article based on ‘Paths to equal: Twin Indices on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality’. Only secondary data has been used. Source of data is the report itself. In this article dimensions and indicators of each WEI and GGGI has been analysed. Women empowerment and gender gap has been analysed separately and jointly by country wise and region wise. A different picture of gender parity and women empowerment is derived when two indices are analysed separately and jointly across various countries, regions and dimensions. The results, when viewed through this new perspective, are dismal. No nation has attained complete gender parity, and women’s autonomy and authority to make decisions and take advantage of opportunities are still severely limited. Significant gender disparities and low levels of women’s empowerment are prevalent. Additionally, the data demonstrates that improving human development alone is not the solution. Some of the narrowest gender inequalities are seen in World nations that rank lower on the Human Development Index. Definitely, twin indices offer a clear synopsis of complicated topics, they can be helpful for policy analysis and decision-making. While each focus on a distinct set of concerns, taken as a whole, they offer a more comprehensive view of nations’ progress towards gender parity and women’s empowerment.