Mind the Gender Gap
Why do we need gender data? Good gender data or gender statistics is critical for the achievement of gender equality and development policy. First, we need to acknowledge the problem exists – that gender inequality is real and along multiple dimensions. What does not get counted does not get addressed. Second, we need to know the status quo before we can move forward. Policy and programming need evidence. Third, we need gender statistics for monitoring of legislations and policies. Let’s take the Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) for example. Where is the data to evaluate the success of this progressive legislation? Several studies have shown that women still do not inherit property from their parents. And thanks to social norms, they hesitate to claim it. But there is no real administrative data to evaluate it.
Mind the Gender Gap
Why do we need gender data? Good gender data or gender statistics is critical for the achievement of gender equality and development policy. First, we need to acknowledge the problem exists – that gender inequality is real and along multiple dimensions. What does not get counted does not get addressed. Second, we need to know the status quo before we can move forward. Policy and programming need evidence. Third, we need gender statistics for monitoring of legislations and policies. Let’s take the Hindu Succession Amendment Act (2005) for example. Where is the data to evaluate the success of this progressive legislation? Several studies have shown that women still do not inherit property from their parents. And thanks to social norms, they hesitate to claim it. But there is no real administrative data to evaluate it.