India’s Gender Gap Report Ranking as a Warning

• India ranks 131 out of 148 countries in economic participation and health and survival, crucial for gender parity.

• Despite progress in education, India struggles to ensure women’s health and autonomy.

• The report shows India’s sex ratio at birth remains among the most skewed in the world, reflecting a persistent son preference.

• The healthy life expectancy for women is now lower than men’s, indicating chronic neglect in reproductive health, preventive care, and nutrition.

• Increased budget allocations for health, especially at the primary care level, are necessary to improve women’s well-being and their access to basic services.

• India ranks 143rd on the Economic Participation and Opportunity subindex, with women earning less than a third of what men do and female labour force participation remaining low.

• The burden of unpaid care work continues to be a major drag on women’s time and agency.

• Central and State governments must account for unpaid care work in their economic and social policy frameworks through time-use surveys, gender budgeting, and direct investment in care infrastructure.