Measuring Gender Equality: Discussions and Insights based on an Indicators System Proposal

Abstract

In this article we present a reflection on research conducted to define a strategic gender equality indicators system. The system was dedicated to monitoring, in a synthetic and comprehensive way, the evolution of this phenomena in the Basque Country. Firstly, on the basis of the relevant literature on the subject, we examine the problems behind the measuring of gender inequality. Secondly, the indicators system is described: its aims, its relation with the existing equality information and evaluation tools and the main features of its elaboration. Finally, we discuss in greater detail what challenges appeared and the theoretical, conceptual and methodological decisions made. We give special attention to showing how we intended to grasp, with indicators, a feminist, broad, political, transformative and context-oriented concept of gender (in)equality.