Nordic countries dominate gender gap league table

Iceland remains the country that has the greatest equality between men and women, according to an annual report by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It is the second year in succession that Iceland has topped the foundation’s Global Gender Gap Report.

Nordic nations dominate the top of the list of 134 countries, with Norway in second place and Finland third. The report measures equity in the areas of politics, education, employment and health. Sweden is in fourth place, with New Zealand fifth.

“Nordic countries continue to lead the way in eliminating gender inequality,” said Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum.

France was one of the biggest fallers, down to 46th place from 18th in 2009. WEF that said was a result of a decline in the number of women holding ministerial positions in the French government.

Meanwhile the US has risen to 19th place from 31st in 2009, because of a higher number of women in President Obama’s administration and a reduction in the country’s gender pay gap. It means the US overtakes Canada to become the best-performing country in either North or South America.

At the bottom of the list of 134 countries, the widest gaps between women and men are in Pakistan (132), Chad (133) and Yemen (134).

1. Iceland – no change from 2009
2. Norway – Up from 3rd
3. Finland – Down from 2nd
4. Sweden – No change
5. New Zealand – No change
6. Republic of Ireland – Up from 8th
7. Denmark – No change
8. Lesotho – Up from 10th
9. Philippines – No change
10. Switzerland – Up from 13th
11. Spain – Up from 17th
12. South Africa – Down from 6th
13. Germany – Down from 12th
14. Belgium – Up from 33rd
15. UK – No change
16. Sir Lanka – No change
17. Netherlands – Down from 11th
18. Latvia – Down from 14th
19. USA – Up from 31st
20. Canada – Up from 25th

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