12,000 Data Points Collected... In-Depth Analysis with New Evaluation Items [2025 Gender Equality Index]

③Changed Calculation Method
Classified into Employment, Compensation, Development, Work-Life Balance, and Others
Points Allocated Differently by Priority
Includes Business Report Analysis and Company Surveys

On the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the 'Asia Gender Equality Index,' Asia Economy has enhanced its calculation method this year to ensure greater transparency and in-depth analysis.

First, the evaluation items were categorized into five sectors: ▲Employment ▲Compensation ▲Development ▲Work-Life Balance ▲Others. The five evaluation items from last year (number of regular employees, years of service, annual salary, internal directors, and external directors) were incorporated as indicators within the relevant sectors according to their type, and new evaluation items were identified and reflected in each sector as appropriate.

The previous method, which assigned equal scores to all evaluation items, was also improved to enhance objectivity and reliability. While the total score remains at 100 points, the allocation of points by sector and item now varies according to priority. Detailed evaluation indicators were also divided into levels or assigned different weights. The approach of considering companies with higher overall scores as more outstanding remains unchanged.

Specifically, the evaluation assigns the highest score of 30 points to the 'Employment' sector, based on the view that gender equality and work-life balance begin with companies employing women. The employment sector includes indicators such as the proportion of female regular employees, the rate of change in the proportion of female employees over the past five years, and the proportion of women among new hires.

The sectors of Compensation, Development, and Work-Life Balance were each allocated 20 points. The compensation sector examined the ratio of women's years of service and annual salary compared to men. The development sector evaluated the proportion of female managers as well as the proportion of women among internal and external directors. The work-life balance sector reflected the parental leave utilization rate and adoption of flexible work arrangements, both of which became mandatory disclosures in business reports starting in 2024.

The 'Others' sector, assigned 10 points, included items such as whether the company has received government certifications or awards related to gender equality and work-life balance, and whether it has made independent efforts such as establishing childcare facilities. In total, 18 evaluation items were reflected across the five sectors, and over 12,000 pieces of basic data were collected.

The evaluation items and criteria were established based on expert review by Professor Lee Youngjeong of the Korea Labor and Employment Education Institute (Ph.D. in Business Administration). For objective calculation, business reports and sustainability management reports (ESG reports), management disclosures, and press releases published by the top 100 companies and 36 financial companies were analyzed, and individual company surveys were also conducted.

The survey targets were the top 100 listed domestic companies and financial companies, excluding holding companies and public enterprises. The top 100 companies were selected based on standalone sales in 2024. The financial companies included 11 banks affiliated with financial holding companies and regional financial holding companies, internet-only banks, the top 10 securities companies, the top 3 life insurance companies, the top 5 non-life insurance companies, and 8 specialized credit card companies, totaling 37 companies.

Editor's NoteThe 'Asia Economy Gender Equality Index,' launched with the goal of assessing the utilization of female talent and gender equality efforts among major domestic companies and promoting work-life balance, marks its 10th anniversary this year. The Gender Equality Index has served as a catalyst for spreading a culture of inclusion and coexistence within companies. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, Asia Economy has adjusted the evaluation items and methods and enhanced the analysis system to improve the objectivity and reliability of the index. As the values of sustainability and diversity grow in importance, we hope the Gender Equality Index will continue to serve as a compass for companies.