UPSC Prelims 2017 Q9: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
Of the following, which gives 'Global Gender Gap Index' ranking to the countries of the world?
- (a) World Economic Forum
- (b) UN Human Rights Council
- (c) UN Women
- (d) World Health Organization
Answer: (a) World Economic Forum
Explanation
Global Gender Gap Index
Published every year since 2006 by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
| Sub-index | Measures |
|---|---|
| Economic participation and opportunity | Labour force share, wages, senior roles |
| Educational attainment | Literacy and enrolment |
| Health and survival | Sex ratio at birth, healthy life expectancy |
| Political empowerment | Women in parliament and ministerial posts |
Other indices and their publishers:
| Index | Publisher |
|---|---|
| Gender Inequality Index | UNDP (Human Development Report) |
| Global Competitiveness Index | WEF |
| Women, Business and the Law | World Bank |
Answer: (a) World Economic Forum.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The WEF has published the Global Gender Gap Report every year since 2006.
- (b) Incorrect. The UN Human Rights Council reviews human rights, not gender gap rankings.
- (c) Incorrect. UN Women campaigns for gender equality but does not publish this index.
- (d) Incorrect. The WHO handles health; it does not rank countries on gender gaps.
Key point
Global Gender Gap Index = WEF (since 2006), four sub-indices; the Gender Inequality Index is UNDP's.
Remember
Gender Gap = WEF; Gender Inequality = UNDP.
Common mistakes
- Choosing UN Women because the index is about gender.
- Confusing WEF's Gender Gap Index with UNDP's Gender Inequality Index.
- Forgetting the WEF also publishes the Global Competitiveness and Global Risks reports.
Exam tip
Match index to publisher: Gap = WEF; Inequality = UNDP.
Sources
- World Economic Forum — Global Gender Gap Report
- UNDP — Human Development Report (Gender Inequality Index)