Europe has regained the global lead in closing the gender gap, with 75.7% of its overall gap closed, according to new World Economic Forum data. The report says full parity is not expected for 70 years, and results vary sharply among European countries.
Europe narrowly displaced North America, which led last year. It is near parity in education (99.5%) and health and survival (96.9%), yet ranks third and fourth, respectively. Europe places fifth in economic participation (69.5%), behind North America at 77.1%, while leading regions in political empowerment (37%).
Seven European economies are among the global top ten: Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Germany and Ireland. Iceland has closed 93% of its gap; Türkiye, Romania and Hungary rank lowest in Europe. EU measures include salary-transparency requirements and parental-leave and flexible-work rules, intended to narrow pay differences and help share care duties.
