Glass-Ceiling Index 2025: Sweden Tops List

“The Economist” released its annual Glass-Ceiling Index, which evaluates working conditions for women across the 29 OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, in honor of International Women’s Day 2025. Sweden emerged as the best country for working women in 2025, outperforming others on factors such as wage equality, women in leadership roles, and labor-force participation.

Glass-Ceiling Index 2025: Top 10 Best Countries for Working Women

1. Sweden
   • Women in Sweden earn 7.3% less than men, significantly better than the OECD average wage gap of 11.4%.
   • 66.6% of working-age women have jobs, while the number exceeds 82% in Sweden, compared to 81% of men.
   • 43.7% of women hold managerial positions (highest in the index).
   • 37.7% of women serve on corporate boards.
   • 46.7% of government seats are held by women.
2. Iceland (Dropped to No. 2 after holding the top spot for the past two years).
   • Notably, first country in the world to elect a female president.
   • Maintains one of the lowest gender gaps globally.
3. Finland
4. Norway
5. Portugal
6. New Zealand (Most improved country, climbing eight places to rank fifth).
7. France
8. Spain
9. Denmark
10. Australia

Nordic countries, including Sweden, Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Denmark, continue to dominate the top rankings, reinforcing their progressive policies and gender-inclusive workplaces.

Countries at Bottom of Rankings

• South Korea saw its first improvement in 11 years, moving up to 28th place from the bottom position.
• Turkey now holds the lowest ranking due to deep-rooted societal norms and significant gender wage gaps.
• Japan, Turkey, and South Korea all struggle with:
  • Less than 17% of women in managerial positions.
  • Less than 20% representation of women in parliament.
  • Below 21% of women on corporate boards.

United States’ Poor Ranking (No. 19)

• The U.S. did not make it into the top 10, ranking 19th.
• A major reason for its low ranking is the lack of federally mandated parental leave, making the U.S. the only OECD country without this policy.

Methodology of Glass-Ceiling Index 2025

The index ranked countries based on 10 key factors influencing women’s professional growth:

1. Higher education
2. GMAT exams taken by women
3. Labor-force participation rate
4. Gender wage gap
5. Women in managerial positions
6. Women on company boards
7. Women in government
8. Net child-care costs
9. Paid leave for mothers
10. Paid leave for fathers