Women are “significantly less likely than men to be employed at capacity” in one-fourth of countries according to a recent poll by Gallup.

The new numbers are significant because they only consider those who are looking for work, unlike other employment rates that do not account for individuals who prefer to stay at home.

Some of the results will be surprising to some:  with a -9 employment gap, the United States ranks far below Canada, Iran and China. Canada (+1) actually favours female workers. Meanwhile, Albania, Romania and Belgium lead with perfect equality for male and female employment. Women have the best track record in Kuwait (88 per cent employment) compared to Burkina Faso (5 per cent) where they are least likely to be employed.

Aside from actual employment statistics, women also perceive their job opportunities less favourably than men. In Sweden, Canada, Denmark, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia women were significantly less likely to see now as a good time to find a job.

Most importantly, the Gallup offers insight into the major factors at play in deciding female employment. Not surprisingly, countries with higher GDP have more job opportunities for women, as well as men. Higher levels of education also improve the playing field for female job seekers. According to Gallup, “women who have a tertiary education are nearly three times more likely than women with a primary education to be employed at capacity.”

Check out this infographic for a closer look at the female employment around the world.

          Women at Work            
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Jaela Bernstien is a contributing editor for rabble.ca. She graduated with Honors from Western University, where she also worked as managing editor for the Western Gazette. Now she lives in Montreal and freelances as a writer, editor and graphic designer.
Jaela Bernstien

Jaela Bernstien

Jaela Bernstien is a contributing editor for rabble.ca. She graduated with Honors from Western University, where she also worked as managing editor for the Western Gazette. Now she lives in Montreal...