Yesterday, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. Today, the conversation continues. Because while we honor achievements, the reality is that millions of women still face barriers in the workplace, pay disparities, and limited access to leadership roles.
The 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index by The Economist ranks OECD countries based on workplace gender equality, shedding light on where women thrive—and where systemic challenges persist.
Here are 10 key takeaways that show where we stand in 2025:
1️⃣ Sweden Takes the Lead 🏆
Sweden surpasses Iceland as the best country for working women. Its strong parental leave policies, high female labor participation, and gender pay equity drive this success
2️⃣ The Nordic Model Still Reigns 🌍
Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Finland continue to dominate the rankings, proving that progressive policies enhance workplace equity and support economic growth
3️⃣ The UK’s Alarming Decline 📉
The United Kingdom falls to its lowest rank in a decade, due to slow improvements in the gender pay gap, increasing female unemployment, and declining labor force participation
4️⃣ Women in Senior Leadership—Still a Struggle 🏢
Despite improvements, only one in three leadership roles in OECD countries are held by women. In some regions, progress has stagnated, showing that glass ceilings remain firmly in place
5️⃣ Pay Gap Progress Stalls 💰
While some countries have introduced stricter pay transparency laws, gender pay gaps persist. In many nations, women still earn significantly less than men for the same work
6️⃣ More Women in Higher Education, But… 🎓
Women are outpacing men in university enrollment, yet this does not always translate into leadership positions or equal pay. The talent is there, but systemic barriers remain
7️⃣ Maternity vs. Career? A False Choice 👶🏽
Countries with strong parental leave policies (like Sweden and Norway) show that supporting working mothers boosts economic participation—a lesson for those lagging behind
8️⃣ Remote Work & Flexibility as Game Changers 💻
Countries that embrace remote work and flexible policies see higher female workforce retention. Yet, the “remote penalty” means fewer women are being promoted to leadership
9️⃣ Legal Protections Vary Widely ⚖️
While some nations have strict anti-discrimination laws, others still lack fundamental legal protections against workplace harassment and unequal pay
🔟 Gender Equality = Economic Growth 📈
Countries with higher gender equality in the workplace also show stronger economies and higher GDP growth, proving that diversity is not just fair—it’s smart business
International Women’s Day it’s about action. This report makes it clear: progress is uneven. Companies and policymakers must do more to remove systemic barriers, close pay gaps, and ensure women have equal opportunities at work.
Is your country moving forward or falling behind? Let’s discuss! 👇
