ABOUT EPI
The Empowered People Index (EPI) is a measure of ability of people in a society to determine their own future. In reality, this ability is a complex notion that is determined by a variety of factors.
What is the EPI
The Empowered People Index (EPI) sheds new light on the issue of empowerment by using data from 185 countries to rank societies according to an individual’s ability to determine their own future. UPG uses three main measurement categories; an individual’s ability to scan, process, and act, within a particular society. Together, the components offer a conceptually coherent way of capturing how societies can empower (or limit) an individual’s autonomy, freedom, and ability to progress.
How It Works
The EPI 2020 contains 42 variables that are structured into the 3 categories related to the ability of the individual to 1) observe their environment, 2) to reflect on their observations, and 3) to act on their reflections. The 42 variables include measures for health, safety, education, technology, rights, and more. The sources range from large international institutions such as the United Nations, International Labour Organisation (ILO), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Health Organisation, and more.
Methodology of EPI
Each of the 42 variables has been normalised to create an equivalent value between 0 and 1, where 0 represents no power and 1 represents full power. These variables have been weighted to produce a final score whereby the sum of all weighted variables, for any given country, also lies between 0 and 1 - this number indicates the final EPI score. The ability to determine one’s own future is a complex measure and it is important to continue to improve the methods by which it can be understood.
History of the EPI
2 years ago the EPI grew out of United People Global’s work on publications. At its conception, UPG set out to answer three primary questions; does a country provide for its people’s most essential needs? Are the building blocks in place for individuals and communities to enhance and sustain well-being? Is there an opportunity for all individuals to reach their full potential?
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