Gender Development Index (GDI)

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<–2/”>a >The GDI measures gender gaps in Human Development achievements by accounting for disparities between Women and men in three basic dimensions of human development—Health, knowledge and living standards using the same component indicators as in the HDI. The GDI is the ratio of the HDIs calculated separately for females and males using the same methodology as in the HDI. It is a direct measure of gender gap showing the female HDI as a Percentage of the male HDI.

Equality/”>Gender Equality has following dimentions:-

  • Equal access to basic social Services, including Education and health.
  • Equal opportunities for participation in political and economic decision-making.
  • Equal reward for equal work.
  • Equal protection under the law.
  • Elimination of discrimination by gender and violence against women.
  • Equal rights of citizens in all areas of life, both public – such as the workplace – and private such as the home.

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The Gender Development Index (GDI) is a composite index of gender inequality in three dimensions: reproductive health, Empowerment, and economic activity. It is calculated by taking the Human Development index (HDI) and adjusting it for gender inequality. The GDI is used to measure the progress of countries in achieving gender equality.

The GDI was developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1995. It is based on the HDI, which is a composite index of life expectancy, education, and income. The GDI adjusts the HDI for gender inequality by taking into account the following factors:

  • Life expectancy at birth: This is the Average number of years that a newborn is expected to live.
  • Mean years of schooling: This is the average number of years of schooling that a person has completed.
  • Expected years of schooling: This is the average number of years of schooling that a person is expected to complete.
  • Gross NATIONAL INCOME per capita: This is the gross national income (GNI) divided by the Population.

The GDI is calculated by taking the HDI and multiplying it by a factor that adjusts for gender inequality. This factor is calculated by taking the ratio of the female to male values for each of the four indicators. The GDI is then ranked on a scale from 0 to 1, with 1 being the highest level of gender equality.

The GDI has been used to measure the progress of countries in achieving gender equality since 1995. The GDI has shown that there has been significant progress in reducing gender inequality in recent years. However, there are still many countries where women face significant disadvantages.

The GDI is a valuable tool for measuring gender inequality and tracking progress towards gender equality. It is important to use the GDI to identify areas where there is still need for improvement and to develop policies and programs to address these areas.

The GDI has been criticized for a number of reasons. One criticism is that the GDI does not take into account the unpaid work that women do in the home. Another criticism is that the GDI does not take into account the violence that women face. Despite these criticisms, the GDI remains a valuable tool for measuring gender inequality and tracking progress towards gender equality.

The GDI is a powerful tool that can be used to promote gender equality. It is important to use the GDI to identify areas where there is still need for improvement and to develop policies and programs to address these areas. The GDI can also be used to raise awareness of gender inequality and to mobilize support for gender equality initiatives.

What is the Human Development Index (HDI)?

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and per capita income indicators, which are used to rank countries into four tiers of human development. A country’s HDI value is a summary measure of its achievements in human development. A high HDI indicates a long and healthy life, a good education, and a high standard of living. A low HDI indicates a short life expectancy, low educational attainment, and a low standard of living.

What are the four tiers of human development?

The four tiers of human development are:

  • Very high human development
  • High human development
  • Medium human development
  • Low human development

What are the components of the HDI?

The HDI is calculated using three indicators: life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling, and expected years of schooling, and per capita income.

  • Life expectancy at birth is the average number of years that a newborn is expected to live if current mortality rates continue to apply.
  • Mean years of schooling is the average number of years of schooling completed by people aged 25 and older.
  • Expected years of schooling is the number of years of schooling that a child of school age is expected to complete if current patterns of schooling enrollment and attainment continue to apply.
  • Per capita income is gross national income (GNI) per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP).

How is the HDI calculated?

The HDI is calculated using the following formula:

HDI = (longevity × education × income)/3

where:

  • longevity is life expectancy at birth
  • education is mean years of schooling
  • income is per capita income

The HDI is a normalized index with a value between 0 and 1. A country with a high HDI has a value close to 1, while a country with a low HDI has a value close to 0.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the HDI?

The HDI is a widely used measure of human development. It has several strengths, including:

  • It is a simple and easy-to-understand measure.
  • It is based on internationally comparable data.
  • It is updated regularly.

However, the HDI also has some weaknesses, including:

  • It is based on a limited number of indicators.
  • It does not take into account inequality.
  • It is not sensitive to changes in the distribution of income.

What are some alternative measures of human development?

Some alternative measures of human development include the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI), the Gender Development Index (GDI), and the Multidimensional POVERTY Index (MPI).

  • The IHDI is a measure of human development that adjusts the HDI for inequality.
  • The GDI is a measure of human development that adjusts the HDI for gender inequality.
  • The MPI is a measure of poverty that takes into account multiple dimensions of deprivation, including health, education, and living standards.

The following are multiple choice questions about the topics of gender equality, gender inequality, and the gender gap.

  1. Which of the following is not a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
    (A) To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
    (B) To end poverty in all its forms everywhere
    (C) To ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
    (D) To reduce inequality within and among countries

  2. Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to gender inequality?
    (A) Discrimination based on sex or gender
    (B) Stereotypes about the roles of men and women
    (C) Economic disparities between men and women
    (D) The lack of access to education and EMPLOYMENT opportunities for women

  3. Which of the following is not a way to promote gender equality?
    (A) Investing in education and employment opportunities for women
    (B) Ensuring that women have equal access to health care and reproductive rights
    (C) Promoting gender-sensitive policies and programs
    (D) Addressing the root causes of gender inequality, such as discrimination and stereotypes

  4. Which of the following is not a result of gender inequality?
    (A) Women and girls are more likely to be poor and to live in poverty.
    (B) Women and girls are more likely to be illiterate and to have less access to education.
    (C) Women and girls are more likely to be victims of violence and abuse.
    (D) Women and girls are less likely to participate in decision-making and Leadership positions.

  5. Which of the following is not a way to close the gender gap?
    (A) Investing in education and employment opportunities for women
    (B) Ensuring that women have equal access to health care and reproductive rights
    (C) Promoting gender-sensitive policies and programs
    (D) Addressing the root causes of gender inequality, such as discrimination and stereotypes

The correct answers are:
1. (D)
2. (D)
3. (A)
4. (D)
5. (D)

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