Gender Gap in Skill Development

Abstract

Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is one of the 17 goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unfortunately, gender inequality practices still occur in nearly all fields of development; one of which is the skill development. The India Skills Report 2017 highlighted the gap between men and women in gaining employment across all sectors. This chapter analyzes gender gap in skill development, identifies challenges of gender stereotyped labor market, assesses government programs for skill development, and suggests remedial measures to fill the gender gap in skill development. The chapter uses secondary sources like India Skill Report, Gender Gap Report, World Economic Forum, and UNDP reports related to skill development focusing on gender gaps. The chapter gives a clear understanding of gender gap, skill development, and the challenges faced by women in a gender stereotyped labor market. The chapter ends by suggesting measures to fill these gaps.