Measuring WPS

Global indices are an increasingly popular way to assess progress against such goals, by distilling an array of complex information into a single number or ranking. The new global Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index bridges insights from gender and development indices with those from peace and security indices in a way that is simple and transparent and that reflects women’s autonomy and empowerment as agents at home, in the community, and in society. The index is structured around three basic dimensions of women’s well-being: inclusion (economic, social, political); justice (formal laws and informal discrimination); and security (at the individual, community, and societal levels), which are quantified through carefully selected indicators. It ranks 153 countries along these three dimensions in a way that highlights key achievements and deficits, and provides a tool to monitor progress over time. The global rankings highlight priority areas in which policy reforms and investments are needed to accelerate progress, especially in countries that are performing poorly or where achievements are unbalanced across dimensions. This chapter both informs and contributes to an evidence-based narrative that inspires political action and social movements.