Belgium falls out of top 10 in WEF gender equality index
Belgium ranks 12th in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) gender equality index, down two places from 2023, according to the report published in Geneva on Wednesday. Iceland remains in first place, ahead of Finland, which has taken over second place from Norway.
Overall, the world has closed 68.5 per cent of the gender gap, but only 0.1 per cent in one year, according to the WEF's latest Global Gender Gap Report. "At the current rate, it will take another 134 years - five generations - to achieve equality," the report says.
Iceland remains the most gender equal country, with a score of 93.5 per cent, followed by Finland and Norway. New Zealand is the first non-European country to appear in the rankings, in fourth place with a score of 83.5 per cent. Europe remains the best regional bloc at reducing inequality, with a gender equality score of 75 per cent and seven countries in the global top 10.
12th worldwide
Belgium ranks 12th in the world with a score of 79.3 per cent. Among the key indicators, Belgium ranks 57th for economic participation, 16th for political empowerment and 90th for health. For educational attainment, Belgium is tied with 32 other countries for the highest score.
Globally, political empowerment remains the point where the gap is widest: women still do not have access to the most important responsibilities everywhere. But the situation is improving. Parity in the workplace has also improved, after hitting a low during the COVID-19 pandemic. But women make up only about 43 percent of the workforce and 31 percent of positions of responsibility.
© IMAGO
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