Switzerland ranked world’s second-best country for women
In terms of women’s equality, employment, political representation, and security Switzerland has been ranked the second best country in the world, in a new study. Would you agree?
This is the finding of a survey of 167 countries conducted by the Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security in Washington DC, and the Peace Research Institute in Oslo.
According to the survey, women in Switzerland are doing well in terms of access to education and banking services, as well as safety and protection from violence.
Their rate of employment slipped slightly in comparison to 2017, when the survey was first published. Still, at 58.9 percent, they are ahead of their counterparts in many other European countries.
The study ranked Swiss women highly, despite claims that gender inequality and other forms of discrimination are widespread. Last June, nearly half a million women demonstrated in several Swiss cities, demanding higher pay, greater equality and more respect.
But Switzerland scored well for representation of women in politics. In Sunday’s elections, a record number of women were elected to the parliament. They now occupy 42 percent of seats in the national legislature— more than in countries like Germany, the UK, and the United States.
“A national election can bring about big changes, both positive and negative,” the study’s lead author Jeni Klugman told Reuters.
The top 10 countries for women are all in Europe. with Norway topping the rankings, Denmark and Finland tied for the third place, followed by Iceland, Austria, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
The best rated overseas location is Canada, in the 11th place. The United States is in the 19th place, followed by France in the 20th.
Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen are ranked at the bottom of the index.
Comments
See Also
This is the finding of a survey of 167 countries conducted by the Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security in Washington DC, and the Peace Research Institute in Oslo.
According to the survey, women in Switzerland are doing well in terms of access to education and banking services, as well as safety and protection from violence.
Their rate of employment slipped slightly in comparison to 2017, when the survey was first published. Still, at 58.9 percent, they are ahead of their counterparts in many other European countries.
The study ranked Swiss women highly, despite claims that gender inequality and other forms of discrimination are widespread. Last June, nearly half a million women demonstrated in several Swiss cities, demanding higher pay, greater equality and more respect.
But Switzerland scored well for representation of women in politics. In Sunday’s elections, a record number of women were elected to the parliament. They now occupy 42 percent of seats in the national legislature— more than in countries like Germany, the UK, and the United States.
“A national election can bring about big changes, both positive and negative,” the study’s lead author Jeni Klugman told Reuters.
The top 10 countries for women are all in Europe. with Norway topping the rankings, Denmark and Finland tied for the third place, followed by Iceland, Austria, the UK, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Sweden.
The best rated overseas location is Canada, in the 11th place. The United States is in the 19th place, followed by France in the 20th.
Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen are ranked at the bottom of the index.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.