Oct 29 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
India slides 13 slots in world gender equality rankings
New Delhi:
AP
|
Stands 114th Among 142 Countries
Indian women still face some of the world’s worst inequality in access to healthcare, education and work, despite years of rapid economic growth, according to a survey of 142 nations released on Tuesday.The annual Gender Gap Index by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum showed India falling to 114th place, after being ranked 101st out of the 136 countries surveyed last year. That puts India below other fast-developing nations including South Africa, ranked 18th, China at 87 and Brazil at 71.
Nordic nations led the world in promoting equality of sexes, with Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark occupying the top five spots. The US climbed three places to 20th. “Achieving gender equality is necessary for economic reasons.
Only those economies who have full access to all their talent will prosper,” Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chairman, said.
Yemen, Pakistan and Chad remained at the bottom of the index, that ranks countries on health and survival, access to education, economic opportunity and political participation.
India ranked a high 15th for female political participation. But it was among the bottom 20 in terms of income, literacy, work force participation and infant survival.
Activists feel that there was some improvement in number of girls going to primary schools, the overall lack of safety was still preventing many from traveling for higher education or taking jobs far from home.
Nordic nations led the world in promoting equality of sexes, with Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark occupying the top five spots. The US climbed three places to 20th. “Achieving gender equality is necessary for economic reasons.
Only those economies who have full access to all their talent will prosper,” Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chairman, said.
Yemen, Pakistan and Chad remained at the bottom of the index, that ranks countries on health and survival, access to education, economic opportunity and political participation.
India ranked a high 15th for female political participation. But it was among the bottom 20 in terms of income, literacy, work force participation and infant survival.
Activists feel that there was some improvement in number of girls going to primary schools, the overall lack of safety was still preventing many from traveling for higher education or taking jobs far from home.
