Gender parity is a statistical measure that compares the relative equality in terms of numbers and proportions of women and men, girls and boys, in a given population. It is a tool that can be used to measure gender balance in a given situation and can aid in achieving gender equality, but it is not the goal in and of itself. Gender parity can be calculated as the ratio of female-to-male values for a given indicator, such as average income, college graduation rates, and workforce participation. Measuring gender parity, especially how it changes over time, gives policymakers and researchers a sense of whether we are progressing or regressing in any given area, and this is an important tool for anyone working toward gender progress.

Gender parity differs from gender equality in that it is a descriptive measure only and does not involve value judgments or argue for policy changes in the way gender equality does. Gender equality is the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including economic participation and decision-making, and the state of valuing individuals and groups equally, regardless of gender. Gender equality is more than just equal representation; it is strongly tied to womens rights and often requires policy changes.

Gender parity can be calculated in different areas, such as education, health, and survival. For example, gender parity in education can be calculated by dividing the number of female students at a given level of education by the number of male students at the same level. The resulting value is called a gender parity score. A gender parity score between 0 and 1 shows a greater number of male students, and any number over 1 indicates a greater number of female students in the population of interest. A population is considered to have achieved gender parity if it scores between .97 and 1.03.

The United Nations has set gender parity as an urgent need and a personal priority, as it is a moral duty and an operational necessity. As a standard-setting organization, the United Nations has a particular responsibility to lead by example in ensuring the equal and active participation of women at all levels. Thirty-two UN entities encourage gender balance within their own organizations, many by drawing on UN Womens support. UN Women assists in pinpointing positive and negative trends as they emerge and, as needed, identifying shared solutions.