The latest World Benchmarking Alliance's (WBA) Gender Benchmark index names Urban Outfitters, The Foschini Group (TFG) and Zhejiang Semir Garment as worst performers at tackling gender inequality.

On the other hand, the report names Adidas and Gap Inc as some of the best performing fashion brands at tackling gender inequality.

The Gender Benchmark showed that nearly two-thirds of the top 35 apparel brands have not publicly backed gender equality and women's empowerment, while only 14 firms have implemented gender-specific policies.

The index — which examined factors such as the gender pay gap, representation in leadership, and policies to stop violence and harassment — gave the companies an average score of 29 points out of a possible 100, which the WBA called "concerning".

Adidas, Gap and VF Corp — known for brands from The North Face and Timberland to Vans — were the only three fashion industry giants to score more than 50 points on the WBA's index.

In its research, WBA said its research revealed significant gaps between commitment and action on gender equality in fashion.

Less than a third of the 35 companies had provided violence and harassment training to their staff, while only three brands had taken measures to address gender pay gaps, the WBA found.