The global gender gap index 2023

The global gender gap index benchmarks national gender gaps on economic, political, education, and health-based criteria. In 2023, the country offering most gender equal conditions was Iceland with a score of 0.91. Overall, the Nordic countries make up four of the five most gender equal countries in the world. The Nordic countries are known for their high levels of gender equality, including high female employment rates and and evenly divided parental leave.

Afghanistan is the least gender equal country

Afghanistan is found on the other end of the scale, ranked as the least gender equal country in the world. Conditions for girls and women decreased significantly after the Taliban regained power in the South Asian country in 2021. Since then, the government has restricted access to education for all women above 12 years, and women have been banned to work for international aid organizations in the country, which is struggling with poverty and undernourishment.

The Middle East and North Africa has the largest gender gap

Looking at the different world regions, the Middle East and North Africa has the largest gender gap as of 2023, just ahead of South Asia. Moreover, it is estimated that it will take another 152 years before the gender gap in the Middle East and North Africa is closed. On the other hand, Europe has the lowest gender gap in the world.