This report assesses the progress made toward gender equality and women’s empowerment since the MDGs were adopted in 2000. It summarizes findings from 95 surveys conducted by MEASURE DHS in 47 countries from 2000 to 2011. While the largest group of countries comes from sub-Saharan Africa, every region of the developing world is represented. Data on trends are available for 33 countries that hosted 2 or more surveys in this time period.
Together these data give us an accurate picture of women’s lives. They describe the current status of women around the world and show how much change, for better or worse, has occurred since 2000. The findings also suggest how much work remains to achieve the MDGs and broader goals related to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Dozens of indicators pinpoint areas of progress and areas that lag behind.
