International Women’s Day 2024:  10 most gender equal countries in the world

Iceland Iceland has been the world’s most gender-equal country for the past 14 consecutive years. The country has achieved more than 90 per cent parity, with a lead in terms of providing political empowerment to women.

Norway Norway ranks second in terms of gender equality, with a parity score of 87.9 per cent. It has achieved full educational parity and continues to make progress.

Finland Finland remains a strong supporter of gender equality, with a parity score of 86.3 per cent, ranking third.

New Zealand New Zealand has made significant strides towards promoting equal opportunities for men and women. The country ranks fourth closing the gender gap by 85.6 per cent.

Sweden With a gender gap closure of 81.5 per cent, Sweden, at fifth place, champions policies that promote gender balance across various sectors. Women have a higher employment rate, perform better in school, and are well represented in government and parliament here.

Germany Germany ranks sixth, having closed the gender gap by 81.5 per cent, and the country continues to work to reduce disparities in pay, leadership roles, and education.

Nicaragua Nicaragua ranks seventh, having closed the gender gap by 81.5 per cent. Women's political participation and access to education have improved significantly.

Namibia Namibia, the only African country in the top 10, is estimated to have closed its gender gap by 80.2 per cent, placing it eighth.

Lithuania Lithuania ranks ninth in the world for gender equality. The country has a legal framework in place that promote, enforce, and monitor gender equality under the SDG indicator, with a focus on violence against women.

Belgium Belgium rounds out the top 10, with a gender gap closure of 79.6 per cent.

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