Global gender-equality progress remains fragile – World Economic Forum report

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ELS: MBN360 NEWS

Global progress towards gender equality has reached its highest recorded level, but significant gaps remain and recent gains could still be vulnerable to reversal.

The findings were reported on September 17, 2026, following publication of the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap Report on September 16.

The report measures gender disparities across four major areas: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

The assessment covers 145 economies using available data and compares the position of women and men across the four dimensions.

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Economic participation and political representation remain important areas where disparities continue to exist in many countries.

The findings also indicate that progress differs significantly between countries and regions, meaning improvements at the global level do not necessarily translate into equal progress everywhere.

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) assessment provides a framework for monitoring changes in gender parity over time.

The report therefore highlights both the progress achieved and the continuing gaps facing governments, institutions and employers in efforts to improve gender equality.