The Most Relevant Factors in the Gender Gap in European Countries

Abstract

Gender equality is essential for the sustainable development of all countries. It brings economic growth, improved education and health for the entire population, poverty reduction, and social and political stability as democracy is strengthened and more peaceful communities are generated. However, its study is complex and includes various dimensions. This research aims to analyze the most relevant factors of the gender gap in European countries. The methodological strategy is based on machine learning techniques applied to the Gender Equality Index, which includes the EU27 countries and was developed by EIGE. These machine-learning techniques are methods computers use to learn from data and make predictions without being explicitly programmed. This index has 31 relevant indicators that are grouped into 14 subdimensions, which are, in turn, divided into six dimensions. The relevant dimensions in the study of gender equality are I. work (5 indicators), II. Money (4 indicators), III. Knowledge (3 indicators), IV. Time (4 indicators), V. power (8 indicators), and VI. Health (7 indicators). The results show a women's gap. Three of the most relevant dimensions from this research inhibit gender equity: I. Power in its three economic, political, and social dimensions; II. Knowledge in its two dimensions of attainment, participation, and segregation, and III. Time in its dimension of social activities. Women's most significant factors for the gender gap are power, knowledge, and time.