Glass-Ceiling Index 2025: International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, serves as a crucial opportunity to honor the achievements of women across various sectors—cultural, political, and socio-economic. It also serves as a checkpoint to evaluate progress in gender equality, particularly in the workplace. One valuable tool in assessing this progress is the Glass-Ceiling Index (GCI), produced by The Economist, which compares countries based on their support for working women.
In 2025, the Glass-Ceiling Index highlights that while there have been substantial advancements globally, disparities still exist. Sweden has reclaimed the top position, surpassing Iceland, which held the crown for the past two years. Conversely, countries like Japan, Turkey, and South Korea continue to grapple with entrenched societal norms and significant wage gaps, making progress slower in these regions.
Global Trends in Women’s Workforce Participation
Political Landscape: A Year of Milestones
The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for women in politics, as the global average of female representation in national parliaments reached 34%, reflecting the collective efforts toward gender inclusivity.
- Japan saw a significant jump, rising from 10% to 16%.
- Britain also made notable progress, with female parliamentary representation increasing from 35% to 41%.
- The United States, however, experienced a slight decline, with women’s representation falling to 28.7%.
These statistics showcase the evolving role of women in governance, but the journey towards gender parity is still ongoing in many countries.
Economic Progress and Persistent Challenges
On the economic front, women’s representation in corporate leadership has increased, with 33% of corporate board members now being women. The female labor-force participation rate rose slightly to 66.6% in 2025, up from 65.8% the year before, though still far behind the 81% participation rate for men.
Despite progress, women still face several challenges in the workforce, such as wage inequalities, slower career progression, and a lack of representation in top leadership roles.
Top 10 Countries Leading the Way for Working Women in 2025
The following countries top the 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index for their commitment to gender equality, workplace inclusion, and support for women’s career development:
| Rank | Country | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | France | Europe |
| 2 | Spain | Europe |
| 3 | Australia | Oceania |
| 4 | Sweden | Europe |
| 5 | Portugal | Europe |
| 6 | Norway | Europe |
| 7 | Finland | Europe |
| 8 | Denmark | Europe |
| 9 | New Zealand | Oceania |
| 10 | Iceland | Europe |
Key Highlights:
- France tops the list due to its progressive policies, including comprehensive parental leave and strong female representation in corporate leadership.
- Spain and Australia follow closely, reflecting considerable advancements in equal pay and career progression opportunities for women.
- New Zealand has made a significant leap, climbing eight places to secure a spot in the top five.
- The Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark, maintain high rankings because of their robust gender equality laws and commitment to work-life balance.
Noteworthy Changes in the 2025 Rankings
Sweden Reclaims the Top Spot
Sweden has returned to the top of the rankings in 2025, overtaking Iceland. This shift can be attributed to several factors:
- Generous parental leave policies that foster work-life balance.
- Gender-equitable corporate structures, with substantial female representation in leadership roles.
- Strong anti-discrimination laws that ensure equal treatment in the workplace.
South Korea’s Progress
For the first time in over a decade, South Korea has improved its position, rising to 28th place. The country has implemented policies aimed at closing the wage gap and increasing women’s participation in the workforce. However, deeply ingrained societal expectations and limited opportunities for female leadership continue to be significant hurdles.
Countries Struggling with Gender Inequality
At the lower end of the Glass-Ceiling Index, countries like Japan, Turkey, and South Korea remain hampered by gender inequality. These countries continue to face:
- Low female representation in management roles (below 17%).
- Limited female participation in parliament (less than 20%).
- Underrepresentation on corporate boards (below 21%).
Turkey ranks at the bottom of the index, primarily due to widespread gender biases and the lack of adequate workplace protections for women.
While the 2025 Glass-Ceiling Index reveals undeniable progress in many countries, it also highlights the persistent challenges women face, especially in certain parts of the world. Countries like Sweden, France, and the Nordic nations continue to set the standard for workplace equality, while others, like Japan, South Korea, and Turkey, still have a long way to go in ensuring equal opportunities and treatment for women in the workplace. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of both the strides made and the challenges that lie ahead in the global quest for gender equality.