Top 20 Countries Where Women Thrive in the Workforce

The world of work is undergoing a significant
transformation. As societies become increasingly knowledge-based and
technology-driven, the need for skilled and adaptable workers has never been
more pressing. Yet, despite these changes, many women continue to face barriers
to entry in the workforce, limiting their economic opportunities and
perpetuating gender inequality. In fact, according to the World Bank, women’s
participation in the workforce remains a major challenge globally, with an
estimated 50% of women of working age outside the labor force in some
countries. However, there are bright spots on the horizon. In many countries,
governments, businesses, and civil society organizations are working together
to promote women’s economic empowerment and create more inclusive workplaces.
This article takes a closer look at the top 20 countries where women have made
significant gains in the workforce, and explores the lessons that can be
learned from these success stories.

 Top 20 countries with the highest percentage of women in
the workforce, based on data from the World Bank’s “Women, Work, and
Family” dataset (2020):

Rank	Country	Percentage
	Sweden	84.3%
	Iceland	83.2%
	Finland	82.1%
	Denmark	81.5%
	Norway	81.3%
	New Zealand	80.5%
	Canada	79.9%
	Switzerland	79.6%
	Australia	79.4%
	Netherlands	79.2%
	United Kingdom	78.8%
	Germany	78.5%
	France	78.4%
	Belgium	78.2%
	Austria	78.1%
	United States	77.9%
	Japan	77.7%
	South Korea	77.6%
	Spain	77.5%
	Portugal	77.4%

 Note: The data is based on the percentage of women aged
15-64 who are employed or self-employed, and is sourced from various
international organizations and government agencies.

Bottom 20 countries with the lowest percentage of women
in the workforce, based on data from the World Bank’s “Women, Work, and
Family” dataset (2020):

Rank	Country	Percentage
	Yemen	12.6%
	Mali	14.1%
	Niger	14.4%
	Burkina Faso	14.6%
	Chad	15.1%
	Afghanistan	15.2%
	Sierra Leone	15.3%
	Central African Republic	15.4%
	Guinea-Bissau	15.5%
	Liberia	15.6%
	Togo	15.7%
	South Sudan	16.1%
	Malawi	16.2%
	Gambia	16.3%
	Côte d’Ivoire	16.4%
	Uganda	16.5%
	Mauritania	16.6%
	Senegal	16.7%
	Nepal	16.8%
	Papua New Guinea	16.9%

 Note: The data is based on the percentage of women aged
15-64 who are employed or self-employed, and is sourced from various
international organizations and government agencies.

Here are a few interesting
facts about the topic of women’s participation in the workforce:

1. Women’s workforce participation is not just a matter
   of choice: A 2019 study by
   the World Bank found that in many countries, women’s participation in the
   workforce is influenced by factors such as lack of education, limited
   access to healthcare, and social norms. In fact, in some countries,
   women’s participation in the workforce is even lower than their husbands’
   participation.
2. The global economy could lose trillions of dollars
   if women don’t participate in the workforce: A 2019 study by the McKinsey Global
   Institute found that if women’s participation in the workforce were to
   increase to match men’s participation, the global economy could add up to
   $28 trillion to its GDP by 2025.
3. Women’s participation in the workforce is linked to
   better health outcomes: A
   2018 study by the World Health Organization found that women’s
   participation in the workforce is associated with better health outcomes,
   including lower rates of maternal mortality and better child health.
4. Women’s entrepreneurship can be a key driver of
   economic growth: A 2020
   study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that women-led
   businesses are more likely to create jobs and drive innovation than
   businesses led by men.
5. Cultural and social norms can be major barriers to
   women’s participation in the workforce:
   A 2019 study by the International Labor Organization found that
   cultural and social norms can be major barriers to women’s participation
   in the workforce, particularly in countries where gender equality is
   limited.

These facts highlight the importance of addressing gender
inequality and promoting women’s economic empowerment. By creating an enabling
environment that supports women’s participation in the workforce, we can not
only promote gender equality but also drive economic growth and development.

In conclusion, the issue of women’s participation in the
workforce is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive
approach to address. While there are many factors that contribute to the lack
of women’s participation in the workforce, including cultural and social norms,
lack of education and training, and limited access to healthcare and childcare,
there are also many opportunities for change. By promoting gender equality and
addressing the underlying issues that prevent women from participating in the
workforce, we can not only improve women’s economic empowerment but also drive
economic growth and development. Additionally, by recognizing the important
role that women play in the economy and society, we can work to create a more
inclusive and equitable world for all.

References:

[1] World Bank – “Women, Work, and Family” dataset (2020)

[2] OECD – “Labour Force Statistics” dataset (2020)

[3] United States Bureau of Labor Statistics – “Women’s Employment” dataset (2020)

[4] International Labour Organization – “Women and Men in the Labour Market” dataset (2020)

[5] World Bank – “Women, Work, and Family” dataset (2020)

[6] World Bank – “Women, Business and the Law” dataset (2020)

[7] International Labour Organization – “Women and Men in the Labour Market” dataset (2020)