Which Country Boasts The Worlds Widest Gender Gap?

As of March 3, 2023, when evaluating gender equality on a global scale, it’s important to note that no country has yet achieved complete gender parity. However, Iceland stands out as the leading nation in this regard, boasting a commendable gender gap score of 90.8 percent. This score represents the progress Iceland has made in addressing gender disparities and fostering an inclusive society where men and women have relatively equal opportunities and rights.

While achieving complete gender parity remains an ongoing challenge worldwide, there are notable advancements in several countries. The Gender Gap Index, which assesses gender disparities across various dimensions, including economic participation, education, health, and political representation, sheds light on the progress made by different nations. The top three countries leading the way in closing the gender gap as of June 20, 2023, are:

1. Iceland, securing the top spot for the 14th consecutive year with an impressive score of 91.2%. Iceland’s consistent commitment to gender equality sets a remarkable example for the world.

2. Norway, with a strong second-place position, has closed 88% of its gender gap, highlighting its dedication to empowering women and promoting inclusivity.

3. Finland, not far behind, takes the third spot by closing 86% of the gender gap. The country’s focus on equitable opportunities for all genders is reflected in its impressive performance on the Gender Gap Index.

While these countries have made significant strides, the global journey towards full gender parity continues, with lessons to be learned from their successes.

The largest gender gap refers to the gender wage gap, which is the disparity between the median earnings of men and women. This gap is typically measured as a percentage of women’s earnings relative to men’s earnings. As of March 14, 2023, several countries have notable gender wage gaps, with South Korea having the highest at 31.1%, followed by Israel at 24.3%, Latvia, Japan at 22.1%, Cyprus at 21.1%, Estonia at 20.4%, the United States at 16.9%, and Canada at 16.7%. These percentages indicate the extent to which women’s earnings lag behind men’s in these countries, highlighting the ongoing challenges in achieving gender pay equality worldwide.