66 % of women’s work remains unpaid in India

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report was released today and Indias performance has been dismal to say the least. In 2016, India’s rank was 87.This year it is 108- it has fallen back by 22 places. India is now less than many of its neighbours such as Bangladesh, which ranked 47, and China, which was placed 100.

The gender gap is the difference between women and men in social, political, intellectual, cultural, or economic fronts. The Global Gender Gap Report ranks 144 countries on the progress they have made towards gender parity in four areas – health, education, economics and politics.

“On average, 66% of women’s work in India is unpaid, compared to 12% of men’s work,” the report said. The report also noted that India lacks in female political leadership and that it is 50years since we had a woman as prime minister of the country.

At the top of the Global Gender Gap Index is Iceland. The country has closed nearly 88% of its gap. It has been the world’s most gender-equal country for nine years. Others in the top 10 include Norway, Finland, Rwanda, Sweden, Nicaragua, Slovenia, Ireland, New Zealand and the Philippines.