Israel is ranked 37th among 58 countries by the World Economic Forum's (Davos) new "Gender Gap Index", published today.
The Gender Gap Index measures the size of the gap between women and men in five critical areas based on UNIFEM’s (United Nations Development Fund for Women) findings of global patterns of inequality between men and women (Israel's rank in each area is in parentheses):
- Economic participation equal remuneration for equal work (28).
- Economic opportunity access to the labor market that is not restricted to low-paid, unskilled jobs (40).
- Political empowerment representation of women in decision-making structures (32).
- Educational attainment access to education; and health and well-being access to reproductive healthcare (28).
- Health and well-being access to reproductive healthcare (39).
Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Denmark and Finland) tops the Gender Gap Index. The World Economic Forum attributes this to strongly liberal societies, with an impressive record of openness and transparency in government, and comprehensive safety nets. The report adds, "EU countries do generally well in the rankings, with 10 EU members in the top 15 positions."
In contrast, Switzerland, which granted women the franchise only in 1971, was ranked in 34th place, well behind other Western European countries. The US was ranked 17th, after most Western European countries, plus Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The main reason for the US's showing is its poor ranking in economic opportunity and health and well-being.
Japan is ranked 38th, behind China (33rd). Large, populous nations such as India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt hold some of the lowest positions in the rankings.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on May 16, 2005