Australia ranks 8th globally for gender equality, breaks into top 10 for first
Australia ranked eighth of 148 countries in the 2026 World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report, its highest-ever position.
The World Economic Forum's latest Global Gender Gap Report ranks Australia eighth out of 148 countries for gender equality. This is the first time Australia has made the top 10.
The report measures progress across economic participation, education, health and political power. Australia has closed 81.9 per cent of the gender gap, matching other top 10 nations.
The Albanese government credits wage rises in female-dominated sectors and expanded paid parental leave to six months with superannuation. Women's health investments and women making up the majority of cabinet also helped.
The ranking is a turnaround from 43rd when Labor came to power and from an all-time low of 50th under the Coalition.
- 8th out of 148 countries
- Global ranking
- 81.9 per cent
- Gender gap closed
- 50th under Coalition
- Previous low ranking
- 43rd
- Ranking on Labor arrival
Why it mattersThe ranking shows Australia is among the world leaders in women's economic opportunity and political representation.
AustraliaAustralian women are now in stronger positions in the workforce and government than most other countries globally.
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