The top European countries for women’s careers have been unveiled in a recent study, with surprising results indicating the absence of the United Kingdom among the leading nations.
The research, conducted by experts at Claims.co.uk, which scrutinised data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report of 2022, examined 46 European countries to determine the most progressive environments for female workers based on various metrics including income, political representation, and opportunities for advancement.
Iceland emerged as the undisputed leader, boasting an impressive score of 86.49 out of 100. With a population of 190,000 women earning an average of €40,500 (£34,600) annually, Iceland not only excels in wage equality but also in political representation, with 47.6 percent of its national parliament comprising women.
The nation has a rich history of female leadership, with more than half of the last 50 years being overseen by female prime ministers and the world’s first democratically elected female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.
Following closely behind Iceland is Finland, securing second place with a score of 81.72 out of 100. Finland, known for its progressive policies, features a parliamentary makeup with 45.50 percent women, with many holding ministerial roles. Over the past five decades, the country has seen significant periods of female leadership, including President Tarja Halonen’s twelve-year tenure.
Norway rounds up the top three, scoring 68.97 out of 100. Offering a salary 35.6 percent higher than Finland, Norway boasts impressive figures for female advancement to leadership roles, with 45 percent of its parliament being women and 38.8 percent holding ministerial positions.
Notably, the nation has seen 18 years of female leadership in the past 50 years. Sweden and Albania complete the top five, with Sweden securing fourth place with a score of 65.16 and Albania ranking fifth with a score of 62.93.
Sweden stands out for its high percentage of self-identified feminists and strict anti-harassment measures, while Albania leads in wage equality despite a smaller average income.
The rest of the top ten countries for women in the workforce include Switzerland, Lithuania, Ireland, Denmark, and Belgium.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Claims.co.uk stressed the significant strides made by Scandinavian countries in advancing women’s careers, underscoring a shift in workplace culture towards inclusivity and diversity. However, the absence of the United Kingdom from the top rankings prompts reflection on persistent global challenges faced by women, including inequality, harassment, and pay gaps.
They said: “Scandinavian countries lead the charge in advancing women’s careers, highlighting a shift in workplace culture. The data shows that these countries are redefining the traditional role of women and reshape ongoing conversations in the workplace.”
