India’s gender gap: Where do we stand today?

 Sujata Gautam

&

Madhurjya Saikia

(madhurjyatu15@gmail.com)

The Global Gender Gap Index 2025, recently released by the World Economic Forum, gives us a clear view of how equally men and women are treated in 148 countries around the world. It shows how far each country has come in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for both genders. First published in 2006, this annual report has become one of the most trusted tools to track progress on gender equality. It measures the gap between men and women in four key areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Each country is given a score between 0 and 1, where 1 means complete equality between men and women, helping us see where improvements have been made and where more work is still needed.

The report doesn’t just present numbers; it paints a bigger picture of the reality of women’s lives in different parts of the world. It reflects both progress and challenges. It serves as a guide for governments, institutions, and societies to see where they stand and, more importantly, what more they need to do to ensure that women have equal space and voice in society. It also raises a key question: Are we building a society simply inching forward while leaving women behind? In this year’s report, India has been ranked 131st out of 148 countries, which is a slight drop from last year’s position at 129. India’s overall gender parity score is 64.1%, meaning the country has closed about 64 per cent of the gender gap. While this may sound like more than half the job is done, the remaining gap still affects millions of lives every day, especially for women in rural and marginalized communities.

Looking deeper, India has shown some improvement in economic participation and opportunity. The score here is 40.7%, with a slight rise in income parity, from 28.6% in 2024 to 29.9% in 2025. Though still low, this shift suggests more women are entering the workforce and earning better than before. However, the gender pay gap remains a reality. Many women, even those with equal qualifications and experience, are still paid less than men for the same job. They also face challenges like job insecurity, workplace harassment, and a lack of maternity support. How can a nation progress if half of its population is not allowed to contribute equally and safely to its economy?

India has made notable progress toward gender parity, but significant challenges remain. A pragmatic and dynamic policy approach is essential to achieving social justice and equal governance. Education has been a cornerstone of progress, with the female gross enrolment ratio at the elementary level reaching 94.32%, slightly surpassing boys at 89.28%. At the secondary level, girls also lead with 81.32% compared to 78% for boys. Women’s literacy has surged from 9% at the time of independence to 77% today, reflecting a strong commitment to bridging the gender education gap. Financial inclusion has empowered many women, especially in rural areas, by giving them the ability to manage money and start small businesses. Politically, women’s participation has increased, particularly at the grassroots level, thanks to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which reserved one-third of local governance seats for women. This has resulted in over 40% female representation in local bodies. The Women’s Reservation Act of 2023 further strengthens this by reserving one-third of seats in Parliament and state assemblies. In rural areas, government schemes and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have promoted entrepreneurship and financial literacy among women. Female labour force participation is still low at 41.7%, and many women are confined to informal jobs lacking social security due to societal expectations, wage inequality, and limited childcare options. Women in urban areas often earn 30–40% less than men for similar work. Despite more women graduating in fields like STEM, only 27% are part of the STEM workforce, highlighting a gap between education and employment opportunities. The lack of affordable childcare forces many women to leave their jobs or settle for lower-paying roles, with 73% of Indian women reportedly quitting work after childbirth. Overall, while progress is visible in education, politics, and rural empowerment, achieving full gender equality in India requires addressing employment barriers and social norms that restrict women’s participation in the workforce.

To increase women’s participation in the formal economy, India should introduce large-scale skill development programmes focused on training women for jobs in various sectors. Stronger enforcement of gender-sensitive labour laws is also needed, especially those related to equal pay, protection against workplace harassment, and paid family leave. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure companies are following these rules. Political empowerment can be improved by offering leadership training and support programmes for women at the Panchayat, municipal, and state levels. Gender-responsive budgeting, which began in 2005, should be expanded across all government departments. More funds must be set aside for programmes that support women’s education, healthcare, and employment. A financial system that gives women easy access to loans, microfinancing, and business funding is also essential. To change long-held beliefs and stereotypes, schools and colleges should include gender equality lessons in their curriculum. These lessons should teach students—both boys and girls—about equality, respect, and sharing responsibilities at home and in society. Promoting stories of successful women can inspire others and help change mindsets. To support projects focused on women’s welfare, India could also introduce Gender Impact Bonds (GIBs), which would allow private investors to fund social initiatives aimed at reducing gender inequality. Achieving gender equality is not just about helping women; it benefits everyone in society. It leads to stronger families, better economies, and fairer communities. These steps together can help build a more equal and just society for all.