[Canada is ranked 20th overall, having fallen from a high of 14th in 2006 when the reports started. Canada ranks 1st (tied) in educational attainment, 9th in economic participation, 49th in health and survival and 42nd in political participation.]
Abstract:
The Global Gender Gap Report 2013 benchmarks national gender gaps of 136 countries on economic, political, education- and health-based criteria. The Global Gender Gap Index was developed in 2006, partially to address the need for a consistent and comprehensive measure of gender equality that can track a country's progress over time. The index points to potential role models by revealing those countries that - within their region or income group - are leaders in dividing resources more equitably between women and men than other countries, regardless of the overall level of resources available.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2013 emphasizes persisting gender gap divides across and within regions. Based on the eight years of data available for the 110 countries that have been part of the report since its inception, it finds that the majority of countries covered have made slow progress on closing gender gaps.
This year's findings show that Iceland continues to be at the top of the overall rankings in The Global Gender Gap Index for the fifth consecutive year. Finland ranks in second position, and Norway holds the third place in the overall ranking. Sweden remains in fourth position. Northern European countries dominate the top 10 with Ireland in the sixth position, Denmark (8) and Switzerland (9). New Zealand (7), Philippines (5) and Nicaragua (10) complete the top 10.