A Cluster Analysis on Gender Equality In the World from the Data Set of the United Nations Development Program

ICTIMESH 2022, Dubai, Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri, 19 - 22 Aralık 2022, ss.1-13

In this study, we specifically focus on United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 5. This goal is

related to gender equality. Achieving "Goal 5 Gender equality" depends on some critical variables. Also, the current

situation of countries on gender equality should determine in terms of UNDP indicators. For this reason, I carried out this

research to determine the current situation of 162 countries—including Turkey, regarding the principle of gender

equality in the UN Sustainable Development Goal. In line with these, this study's first aim is to define the current gender

inequality in the world. The second aim is the main aim for us; it is to describe Turkey's current situation in the world.

The final objective is to produce practical solutions to bring closer to the "best countries group." In these aims, the

researcher conducted a hierarchical clustering analysis and K-means analysis for 162 countries with 15 variables related

to gender equality from United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In hierarchical clustering analysis, the researcher

used Ward's method and the widely used Euclidean distance to create the distance matrix using the cluster function in R

studio. Afterward, the researcher performed a k-means clustering analysis. Our findings indicate four clusters

considering gender equality in terms of countries. Respectively, from best to worse, Cluster 2, Cluster 3, Cluster 4, and

Cluster 1. Turkey takes place in Cluster 3. In conclusion, the researcher discussed the current situation and potential

solutions for managing gender inequality.