gender-equality

Iceland has been the world's most gender-equal country for 15 consecutive years, closing 93.5% of its gender gap according to the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Gender Gap Index. Finland, Norway, and New Zealand follow. The WEF estimates the global gender gap will take 134 years to close at current rates — and political empowerment remains the dimension furthest from parity.

New Zealand and the US top the OECD childcare cost rankings, with net childcare expenses consuming 30–32% of an average couple's earnings. In Germany, the same costs amount to 1% of earnings. Denmark's 97% childcare enrollment and heavily subsidised system is the benchmark other countries reference. Childcare affordability is one of the least-discussed drivers of the gender pay gap, female workforce participation, and birth rates.