UNDP's Gender-related Measures: Some Conceptual Problems and Possible Solutions

This paper critically reviews conceptual and empirical problems issues with the United Nations Development Programme's two gender-related indicators: the Gender-related Development Index and the Gender Empowerment Measure. While supporting the need for gender-related development measures, the paper argues that there are serious conceptual and empirical problems with both measures that limit the usefulness of these composite indicators. Where appropriate and feasible, the paper suggests modifications to the measures that address some of the identified problems.