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The Gender Equality Index is a unique measurement tool that synthesises the complexity of gender equality as a multi-dimensional concept into a user-friendly and easily interpretable measure. It is formed by combining gender indicators, according to a conceptual framework, into a single summary measure.
It consists of six core domains: work, money, knowledge, time, power, health and two satellite domains (Intersecting inequalities and violence). The satellite domains are conceptually related to the Index but cannot be included in the core index because they measure an illustrative phenomenon. Specifically, the domain of violence measures gender-based violence against women, and the domain of Intersecting Inequalities considers specific population groups such as lone parents, carers or people with disabilities.
The Index provides results at the domain and sub-domain level for the EU overall and for each Member State. It provides a measure of how far (or close) each Member State was from achieving gender equality in 2010.
The Gender Equality Index relies on gender gaps, that is the difference in the levels of achievement between women and men on a given gender indicator. No distinction is made as to the direction of this gap. The gaps are adjusted to levels of achievement. These are taken into account in order to avoid situations whereby gender gaps are low, despite an adverse condition for both women and men. The Gender Equality Index assigns a score from 1, total inequality, to 100, full equality. The gender approach takes into account the situation of women and men in various domains of economic and social life, including those where men are in disadvantaged situations. The target is the equality point, benchmarked in 100, and a given Member State is equally treated whether a gap is to the advantage of women or men.