ICELAND!

The World Economic Forum identified Iceland as first in gender equality.

But, the Chair of the UN Working Group on discrimination against women – this is no time for Iceland to become complacent.  “Equality guarantees in the law are still far from being fully implemented on the ground.” Issues such as employment pat disparity and gender based violence remain.  “In both these areas, implementation of laws is lacking and women do not have sufficient trust in the system to seek redress for violations of their rights.”   

One human rights expert noted that “The gender pay gap cannot be divorced from the highly segregated job market in Iceland. Women’s work is concentrated in public service jobs, most prominently nursing and elementary teaching, both notably low paid. Women hold a low percentage of leadership positions, especially in the private sector.”

Let’s keep an eye on Iceland – and in the meantime let’s see if any other country dares try to surpass it!