Emerging Concepts of Gender Equality and Inclusion: Integrate and Apply Now

Gender equality as an economic imperative, globally as well as contextually, gives research the much-needed direction for ensuring tangibility in terms of outcomes. The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and subsequent and current actionable Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have used indicators and targets to provide the metrics for informed commitment and accountability. Global averages do not always reflect actual situations; for instance, in the case of the MDGs, where Goal 3 appeared to have been substantially achieved, a closer look showed that the African countries were left far behind (Michael & Todd, 2005). A closed gender gap may seem too aspirational at the moment, but the full potential estimate of GDP growth of 26% (adding $28 trillion by 2025) for the world is too attractive for economies to ignore. The McKinsey Global Institute’s report predicts a high relative growth for both India and Latin America (McKinsey & Company, 2015) if gender parity is achieved. The research links gender equality in society with gender equality in work. This interrelationship is important as a subject of research in regional social contexts so that support mechanisms could be provided locally or regionally to create conditions for the attainment of gender parity. Indian Journal of Gender Studies 29(2) 222–228, 2022 © 2022 CWDS Reprints and permissions: in.sagepub.com/journals-permissions-india DOI: 10.1177/09715215221082186 journals.sagepub.com/home/ijg