Germany Rises to Sixth Place

When it comes to gender equality, Germany is faring better globally than in 2022, at least according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). While politics has made progress, the business sector lags behind in terms of gender parity.

In the global comparison of gender equality, Germany has improved, mainly due to the role of women in politics. This is the conclusion reached by the WEF in its annually published ranking, which assesses the prospects of equality in 146 countries.

This year, Germany ranks sixth in the global ranking, compared to tenth place in the previous year. According to the WEF, the increased number of female members of parliament in the Bundestag and the resulting more balanced gender distribution have contributed to this improvement. The WEF index also recognizes a predominantly balanced gender equality ratio in education and healthcare in Germany.

However, the situation is different when it comes to the German economy. The WEF ranking states that Germany has even regressed in terms of gender equality in this area. This is reflected in the unequal ratio of wages paid to men and women, as well as the allocation of leadership positions. According to the WEF, only 29 percent of such top positions nationwide are held by women, bringing Germany back to the level of 2018.

Iceland Continues to Lead

According to the WEF, Iceland remains the frontrunner in the global comparison. Norway, Finland, New Zealand, and Sweden follow in the ranking's top positions.

The WEF rates Afghanistan as having the lowest gender equality in the current ranking. Chad, Algeria, and Iran also rank at the bottom.

131 Years Until Global Equality

The WEF has been publishing the Gender Gap Index since 2006. The institute estimates that achieving complete gender equality in the current global development will take 131 years.

However, Europe could reach this goal much faster. The WEF believes that a balanced level of gender equality could be achieved in 67 years in Europe. According to the institute, the East Asia and Pacific region will take the longest to achieve full gender equality, with an estimated 189 years needed to reach that point.