Bangladesh leads South Asia in reducing gender disparity

Bangladesh leads South Asia in reducing gender disparities with the maximum advances being made especially in the health sector.

Bangladesh has been ranked 64th this year in an index showing the condition of women in 145 countries. Last year, it was positioned 68th among 142 nations.

150308-womens-day-bangladesh_20a1308c98274c57a571af5823d21f03.nbcnews-ux-2880-1000

The World Economic Forum published ‘The Global Gender Gap Index 2015’ last 18th November. The index is based on national gender gaps on economic, political, education and health criteria and provides country rankings allowing comparisons across regions and income groups.

The current index shows that Bangladesh has not only risen up the tally but has also increased its overall score. Last year, it had a count of 0.697; this year, it has 0.704. The health sector has made the maximum progress, the index reveals.

Last year, Bangladesh was 122th in the tally for this field. This year, it is ranked 95th, showing a sharp climb of 27 step with a score of 0.971 for this benchmark. The country has climbed two rungs up the ladder in respect of women’s literacy and political empowerment.

In women’s enrolment in education, Bangladesh is ranked 109th with a score of 0.948. Like in last year, it has again topped the world chart in female participation in primary and secondary education.

In regard of women’s political empowerment, Bangladesh has risen from its last year’s position of 10th to 8th this year with a score of 0.433.

The study shows Bangladesh’s consistent progress since 2007 in bridging the gender gap, from 100 rank on 128 country in 2007, to 68 mark on 142 country this year 2015.

In South Asia, Sri Lanka, ranked 84, 16 steps below Bangladesh. India, Bhutan and Nepal have progressed this time. India has moved up to 108 from 114; Bhutan to 118 from 120; and Nepal to 110 from 112. Yet, all definitely below Bangladesh rank.

Bangladesh stands way ahead of all Middle Eastern countries and also China (91), Japan (101), Korea (75), Indonesia (92), and Malaysia (111).

At this rate, the report says, it would take 118 years to bridge the gender gap for Bangladesh.

a4ae228f95bafd8fc4f78548288c7c6d

Source article: Bangladesh leads South Asia in reducing gender disparity: Report

নারী-পুরুষ সমতায় ভারতের চেয়ে এগিয়ে বাংলাদেশ