Canada ranks ninth in the world in terms of economic equality between the genders – three places below the United States – according to a World Economic Forum report released October 25.
The measure examines gender gaps in labour force participation and wage equality, and also considers the ratio of women in professional, technical and management positions.
In addition to economic participation, The Global Gender Gap Report, 2013, ranked 136 countries in terms of political empowerment, educational attainment and health and survival. Canada came in 20th place overall when considering all four measures – three spots above the United States.
"The Global Gender Gap Index, introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006, is a framework for capturing the magnitude and scope of gender-based disparities and tracking their progress," states the report.
"The rankings are designed to create greater awareness among a global audience of the challenges posed by gender gaps and the opportunities created by reducing them."
Canada got a perfect score in terms of educational attainment, meaning there is no gap between men and women when it comes to literacy and school enrolment. The country was tied for first place with several other countries including the U.S., Australia, the Phillippines, New Zealand, Latvia and Austria.
Canada didn't score as well in terms of political empowerment, reaching 42nd place in a measure that examines women in parliament and ministerial positions. The country came in 49th place in equality in the areas of health and survival.
The Nordic countries topped the list overall when considering all four measure, with Iceland in first place, followed by Finland, Norway and Sweden. The Phillippines rounded out the top five.
