Gender Statistics and Data: From Evidence to Policy Insight – National Conference on “Gender Statistics and Data: From Evidence to Policy Insight” | MOSPI and UN Women

India has begun a crucial discussion on the availability, quality, and effective use of gender‑based data in policy making. To this end, a national conference titled “Gender Statistics and Data: From Evidence to Policy Insight” was convened. The event was jointly hosted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) and UN Women. Its core aim is to ensure that statistical information is not confined to numbers alone but serves as a robust foundation for policy decisions, thereby promoting gender equality in society.

During the conference, experts and policymakers delved into how well current datasets in India reflect gender diversity. The focus was on the frequent omission of clear distinctions between women and men in official statistics, which creates policy gaps. MOSPI officials emphasized the government’s commitment to include more detailed gender‑specific categories in all future censuses and social surveys. This step is intended to better understand women’s participation and their unique challenges in policy planning.

UN Women representatives linked the conference to global gender equality goals, stating that using sex‑disaggregated data in developed countries like India accelerates development. They cited examples from health, education, and employment, where gender‑classified data reveal areas where women need targeted support, enabling the creation of effective evidence‑based policies.

On the final day, an action plan was agreed upon, outlining improvements in data collection methods, statistical capacity building, and the development of training systems for gender analysis for policymakers. Experts believe this national conference will open a new chapter in India’s statistical history, where data is used not just for monitoring but as a powerful tool for inclusive development. This initiative suggests that the joint effort by MOSPI and UN Women will deepen awareness of gender equality in the country.