NEW DELHI: According to the World Economic Forum's annual Gender Gap Report 2022, released on Wednesday, India ranks 135th in terms of gender equality, despite a five-spot jump from last year in terms of better performance in the areas of economic participation and opportunity.
Out of the 146- country index, only 11 countries rank below India with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Congo, Iran and Chad making up the worst five countries. Iceland retains its position as the most gender-equal country in the world. Although India's gender gap has recorded the seventh highest level in the last 16 years, it remains among the worst performers on various parameters, NIE reported.
India bounced back from 2021 and improved its performance in economic participation and opportunity. However, the labour force participation rate for both men and women has declined since 2021. But the share of women legislators, senior officials and managers saw an increase from 14.6% to 17.6%.
There was an increase from 29.2% to 32.9% in the percentage of women as professional and technical workers. The gender equality score of imputed income has improved; although values declined for both men and women, they declined more for men. In terms of health and survival, India ranks 146th. But it was among the toppers in educational enrollment.