78% Indians Believe Gender Inequality Exists in India: Ipsos Study

MUMBAI, March 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Equal Rights for Men and Women - Dream or Reality? 

In anticipation of the International Women's Day, Ipsos asked respondents around the world their opinion on inequality between women and men in terms of their social, political and/or economic rights.

So does inequality exist? It appears so. In India, a large majority of 78% respondents believe inequality currently exist between women and men in terms of social, political and/or economic rights.

Globally, three quarters (73%) agree that there is currently inequality between women and men in terms of social, political and/or economic rights. Not surprisingly, more women (76%) than men (69%) agree.

Comparing India against 22 other countries shows that, India with 78% agreeing that inequality exists is roughly on par with countries like South Africa (78%), France (77%), Spain (77%) and China (74%). Most likely to believe that inequality exists in their country are residents of Sweden (88%), Mexico (82%), South Korea (81%), Turkey (81%), Peru (81%) and Brazil (80%). Least likely to agree are those living in Russia (47%), Germany (61%), Argentina (65%), and Belgium (66%).

Biswarup Banerjee, Head Marketing Communication - India, Ipsos said, "Gender discrimination continues to be an enormous problem within Indian society. Traditional patriarchal norms have relegated women to secondary status within the household and workplace. This drastically affects women's health, financial status, education, and political involvement. Women are commonly married young, quickly become mothers, and are then burdened by stringent domestic and financial responsibilities."

"They are frequently malnourished, since women typically are the last member of a household to eat and the last to receive medical attention. Women receive little schooling and suffer from unfair and biased inheritance and divorce laws. These laws prevent women from accumulating substantial financial assets, making it difficult for women to establish their own security and autonomy," added Banerjee.

However according to the Ipsos study, an overwhelming majority, 91% Indian online respondents believe in equal opportunities for men and women; that women should be treated equally to men in all areas based on their competency and not their gender, whereas almost nine in ten (88%) in 23 countries around the world believe in equal opportunities for men and women.

"Things are gradually changing, especially in urban centers in India where majority of women are given equal opportunity to peruse education, jobs, access to quality healthcare and the freedom to achieve their dreams and aspirations," Banerjee further added.

Despite the majority believing in equal treatment for both genders, women don't always experience it. When asked if they have full equality with men, four in 10 (40%) globally disagree. Whereas, only 26% women in India disagreed that they have full equality with men and the freedom to reach their dreams and aspirations.

Methodology: 

The survey instrument is conducted monthly in 23 countries around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system. The countries reporting herein are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America.

For the results of the survey presented herein, an international sample of 17,040 adults aged 18-64 in the US and Canada, and age 16-64 in all other countries, were interviewed. Approximately 1000+ individuals participated on a country-by-country basis via the Ipsos Online Panel with the exception of Argentina, Belgium, Hungary, India, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden and Turkey where each have a sample of approximately 500+. The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website.

In countries where Internet penetration is approximately 60% or higher, the data output is comparable to the general population. Of the 23 countries surveyed online, 15 yield results that are balanced to reflect the general population: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Japan, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States. The eight remaining countries surveyed, Brazil (53% Internet penetration among the citizenry), China (46%), India (19%), Mexico (41%), Peru (40%), Russia (59%), South Africa (47%) and Turkey (47%)have lower levels of connectivity, therefore are not reflective of the general population. However, the online sample in these countries are particularly valuable in their own right as they are more urban/educated/income than their fellow citizens and are often referred to as "Upper Deck Consumer Citizens".

About Ipsos: 

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of € 1.669, 5 million (2.218,4M$) in 2014.

With offices in 87 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across six research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Visit http://www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos' offerings and capabilities.

Game Changers: 

« Game Changers » is the Ipsos signature.

At Ipsos we are passionately curious about people, markets, brands and society.

We make our changing world easier and faster to navigate and inspire clients to make smarter decisions.

We deliver with security, speed, simplicity and substance. We are Game Changers.

Ipsos is listed on Eurolist - NYSE - Euronext.

The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP


Media Contact:
Biswarup Banerjee
[email protected]
+91-22-66208000
Head Marketing Communication
Ipsos