Australia jumps in global World Economic Forum ranking for closing the gender gap

Australia has jumped higher in a major global gender equality ranking, but the government is being warned not to get complacent.

Australia has recorded its best ever gender equality ranking in a major global report, but the government is being warned not to rest on its laurels.

After placing 24th last year in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, Australia has jumped 11 places and is now 13th out of 148 countries.

It is Australia’s best result since the report began in 2006 and a far cry from our country’s record low 50th place in 2021.

The ranking jump is attributed to improvements in female political empowerment, economic participation and educational attainment.

Australia ranked well in education, with joint first in literacy rate, primary education enrolment and university enrolment.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said it was a “fantastic result” for Australia.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher celebrated Australia’s result. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“When the Albanese Labor Government was first elected in 2022, we said that improving the lives of women and girls was one of our key focuses, and today’s result – our best ever – shows we are delivering on that commitment,” Senator Gallagher said.

“Whether it is investing in women’s wages and economic opportunities, investing in sexual and reproductive healthcare, or investing in policies to address women’s safety and tackling gender-based violence, our government is backing up words with action.”

Parenthood chief executive Georgie Dent celebrated the “meaningful” changes by the government, but called on them to continue the “significant work” still to do on measures such as parental leave.

“These results show us that government policy can and does make a tangible difference in achieving the goal of true gender equity and they underscore the need for us to go further,” Ms Dent said.

CEO of The Parenthood Georgie Dent called on the government to continue reforms to maintain the progress. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“We’re calling on the Albanes Labor Government to build on this progress by increasing paid parental leave entitlement to 52 weeks at replacement wage, with superannuation included – bringing us in line with international best practice.”

Ms Dent also called on the government to cement its promised universal childcare reforms.

“These measures will bring us closer to achieving true gender equity in Australia and in doing so will improve outcomes for children, boost workforce participation, support families and strengthen communities and our economy,” Ms Dent said.

Senator Gallagher acknowledged there would still be more work to come, but insisted the result showed that the Albanese government was “shifting the dial”.

“We know there is always more work to do, and this report will help to inform our work on gender equality over the next three years,” she said.

Originally published as Australia jumps in global World Economic Forum ranking for closing the gender gap