The United States is moving up in the world in terms of gender equality. The latest Global Gender Gap Report from the World Economic Forum shows the U.S. is now ranked 19th out of 134 countries when it comes affording opportunities for women. The ranking represents the highest score attained by the U.S. in the last five years, and a marked improvement since the 2009 report which had the country down at 31st.

 

The U.S. ranked first in the world in all educational enrollment categories from primary schools to universities, and in the percentage of professional and technical workers who are women (57%).

 

On the other hand, in the category of the percentage of women in the legislature, the United States ranks only 72nd of 134 nations, in wage equality for equal work, only 64th, and healthy life expectancy only 54th.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

The Global Gender Gap Report (World Economic Forum) (pdf)

United States Gender Report (World Economic Forum) (pdf)

The Global Gender Gap Index 2010 rankings: Comparisons with 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (World Economic Forum) (pdf)