
Here is the
rank. "
Iceland (1) has claimed the top spot of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index 2009 from
Norway (3) which slipped to third position behind
Finland (2).
Sweden (4) Completed the Nordic countries’ continued dominance of the top four. The report’s Index assesses countries on how well they are dividing their resources and opportunities among their male and female populations, regardless of the overall levels of these resources and opportunities.
South Africa and
Lesotho made great strides in closing their gender gaps to enter the top 10, at sixth and 10th position respectively. The latest data reveals that South Africa in particular made significant improvements in female labour force participation. Gains for women in parliament and women ministers in the new government also helped close the gender gap in the country. The
Philippines (9) lost ground for the first time in four years but remains the leading Asian country in the rankings." (thanks Julie)