Composite indicator
A composite indicator is formed when Indicators are compiled into a single index, on the basis of an underlying model of the multi-dimensional concept that is being measured (e.g. competitiveness, e-trade or environmental quality).
Composite measures are used when single indicators cannot adequately capture such multi-dimensional concepts. Ideally, a composite indicator should be based on a theoretical framework / definition, which allows Indicators / Indicators to be selected, combined and Weighing in a manner which reflects the dimensions or structure of the phenomena being measured.
Composite Indicators in the Area of Gender Equality
In the area of gender equality, several composite indicators have been proposed:
- 2009 Social Institutions and Gender Index by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Development Centre
- Gender-related Development Index by the United Nations Development Program
- Gender Empowerment Measure by the United Nations Development Program
- Talk:Gender Equality Index by Social Watch
- Global Gender Gap Measure by the World Economic Forum
- Women and African Economic Developmentn Gender Development Index by UNECA
References
OECD, 2004, “The OECD-JRC Handbook on Practices for Developing Composite Indicators”, paper presented at the OECD Committee on Statistics, 7-8 June 2004, OECD, Paris.