Lucas M
No country has closed the gender gap completely, but some are progressing steadily. Based on the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Index, these 25 countries rank highest for women’s equality efforts. Together, they reflect the complex reality of progress, where gains exist, but full equality remains a work in progress.
Philippines, Index: 0.779
Women have long played key roles in Filipino politics, with two past presidents leading the nation. The Magna Carta of Women protects their rights under law but hasn’t bridged the gap in rural areas. So, jobs can be more challenging to find outside cities, and patient care options vary across regions.
Albania, Index: 0.780
In 2008, Albania passed a law to improve gender balance in the workplace and public life. Women tend to perform well academically, and many work in government institutions. Even so, climbing to senior positions requires fighting deep-rooted expectations around gender and household responsibilities.
Australia, Index: 0.780
Australian laws around anti-discrimination and salary transparency provide a strong base for gender equality. Despite those measures, women remain scarce in senior corporate roles and often shoulder more unpaid caregiving. Moreover, the cost of childcare and uneven leave policies further pressure working families.
Chile, Index: 0.781
A national push for constitutional reform has sparked fresh debate over gender rights in Chile. Girls now graduate at higher rates than before, and access to health services has improved. But, professional advancement remains uneven, especially outside major cities. A proposed parity law aims to change how the government reflects society.
France, Index: 0.781
Wage gaps and workplace bias remain stubborn in France, and turning policy-based equity into a daily reality challenges businesses and institutions alike. Thankfully, the Cope-Zimmermann Law helped increase the number of women on corporate boards, and similar rules boosted female representation in politics.
Costa Rica, Index: 0.785
Since the 1990s, political reforms in Costa Rica have encouraged women to run for office, with gender quotas pushing representation upward. Girls consistently excel in school, and public healthcare supports maternal health. However, financial opportunities remain harder for rural women.
South Africa, Index: 0.785
South Africa’s post-apartheid constitution firmly supports gender rights, and nearly half of its parliament seats are held by women. Programs for reproductive health are also well-established. Sadly, gender-based harm remains widespread in this country, and a large portion of women encounter economic strain and limited job stability.
Portugal, Index: 0.787
Portuguese women increasingly earn university degrees, and political gender quotas have opened more doors in government. As for corporate leadership, it still remains male-dominated. Even with state-backed support for shared time off, home responsibilities often tilt heavily toward women.
Ecuador, Index: 0.788
Legislation passed in 2020 expanded political opportunities for women at the local level. Moreover, learning opportunities and medical support systems reach most of the population in Ecuador. Even so, stable income remains out of reach for a large number of women, particularly in rural or Indigenous areas.
Denmark, Index: 0.789
Public childcare in Denmark allows most women to return to work soon after childbirth. Despite this supportive structure, only a few women rise to executive-level jobs. Their promotion often hinges on subtle biases rather than ability alone, leaving a noticeable gap between policy and actual leadership representation.
United Kingdom, Index: 0.789
The Equality Act of 2010 laid the groundwork for workplace fairness in the UK. More women are now active in politics and technical fields. Still, many face hurdles balancing careers and caregiving, with childcare expenses among the highest in Europe and flexibility that doesn’t always translate into practice.
Moldova, Index: 0.791
Maia Sandu’s presidency marked a shift toward stronger female leadership and reform. Girls perform well in school, and healthcare services have gradually expanded. Limited high-paying roles at home have led many women to seek jobs abroad, where opportunity feels more attainable than it does locally.
Lithuania, Index: 0.793
Women are heavily represented in education and civil service roles. Political engagement is climbing, and health outcomes are mainly equal. That said, pay gaps persist, and top positions remain dominated by men. Traditional views on gender continue to shape career decisions.
Belgium, Index: 0.793
Mandated quotas reshaped national representation, bringing more women into senior decision-making posts. Paid maternity leave and accessible healthcare help families manage work and caregiving. The same rules don’t bind private companies, and many women still face invisible ceilings in the business world.
Spain, Index: 0.797
Spain’s statutory protections against gender-based harm are among the toughest in Europe. Women now hold nearly half the seats in parliament, and universities see strong female enrollment. Top corporate roles and fair wages haven’t become widely accessible, even as awareness and support for change continue to build.
Germany, Index: 0.810
Women excel academically and contribute actively to politics in Germany. Parents can split 14 months of paid leave, but this hasn’t closed workplace gaps. Many take part-time positions due to limited family support services, which affects long-term earnings and advancement in senior-level positions within the private sector.
Nicaragua, Index: 0.811
In Nicaragua, laws mandating gender balance in government have brought near-equal representation. Girls benefit from strong health and education systems, especially in urban areas. Nonetheless, jobs are scarcer outside of government. Cultural expectations still shape women’s daily freedom, particularly in rural and conservative regions.
Sweden, Index: 0.816
Universal childcare and extensive parental leave have helped keep Swedish women in the workforce. Academic achievement among girls is high, and healthcare is free for all. Still, business leadership remains uneven. Equality under the law is well established, but corporate progress hasn’t matched the broader social momentum.
Norway, Index: 0.875
Norway requires companies to reserve 40% of board seats for women. Subsidized childcare and flexible work hours ease the burden of parenting. Women thrive in politics and education, though wage gaps remain evident in the country. Equality in law exists across sectors, but economic outcomes haven’t fully caught up with it.
Iceland, Index: 0.935
Ranked number one for years, Iceland backs equality with action—mandatory equal pay audits, generous parental leave, and a nearly gender-balanced parliament. Thanks to decades of activism and bold legislation, women are highly visible across industries. No other country closes the gap quite as effectively.
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