On March 8, The Economist released its Glass-Ceiling Index, ranking 29 countries that are part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),on women’s workplace conditions, while the day is also globally observed as International Women’s Day, highlighting women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for gender equality.

Glass-Ceiling Index: Basis of Ranking

• Evaluates factors such as education, workforce participation, pay gap, women in leadership (management, boards, government), childcare costs, and parental leave policies.

Key Insights from the 2024 Ranking

1. Sweden replaced Iceland as 1, excelling in gender equality at work.
2. Iceland dropped to 2nd place due to a decline in women in management roles (from 39.6% to 36.8%).
3. Women’s workforce participation rose to 66.6% (up from 65.8%), though still lower than men’s 81%.
4. Women on corporate boards increased to 33%, signaling progress in leadership.
5. Women’s representation in parliaments averaged 34%, with:
6. Britain at 41% (notable increase).
7. Japan at 16% (slight improvement).
8. USA at 7% (decline).
9. South Korea improved to 28th place, its first rise in 11 years.

Turkey ranked lowest, struggling with deep-rooted societal norms restricting women’s career growth.