Beyond the numbers: Reflections from three Global South countries using the global gender gap index

Abstract

The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) has become synonymous with the measurement of gender equality. However, the measures included in calculating the GGGI are driven mainly by development agencies' agendas. Notably, in developing countries, where gender inequalities run deep, governments' efforts to address these inequalities at the macro-national level have limited influence on gender diversity management (GDM) policies at the meso-organizational and micro-individual levels. To provide evidence, we applied the multilevel relational framework to review the state of gender (in)equality in three Global South countries—Bangladesh, India, and Mexico—using GGGI. Our review revealed that the GGGI tells a numerical story with political appeal, is used to support policies and programs that satisfy the criteria of developmental and donor agencies, and puts a checkmark next to the governmental agenda to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the macro-national level. These macro-national policies and programs have limited success in informing actionable human resources (HR) policies and practices to address gender (in)equality at meso-organizational and micro-individual levels. While the GGGI does not claim to measure the root cause of gender inequality, this study aimed to highlight the GGGI's impact on closing the gender gap. This paper contributes to the narrow body of literature that has brought the conversation on the SDGs and the global gender gap in management and organization literature. The present study also has theoretical and policy implications, as we provide a critical review of the GGGI and recommend including indicators to measure GGGI subindices that can then better inform meaningful and effective interventions at the macro-level and consequent GDM policies for achieving gender equity at the meso-level and women's empowerment at the individual micro-level.