Gender Wage Gap 2023
Gender wage gap measures income disparity between men and women. Discover which countries have the highest and lowest gaps.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mali | 41.95 % | |
2 | Rwanda | 31.823 % | |
3 | Senegal | 28.887 % | |
4 | India | 21.746 % | |
5 | Mauritius | 21.357 % | |
6 | Tonga | 18.706 % | |
7 | Mongolia | 18.006 % | |
8 | Bangladesh | 17.619 % | |
9 | Cook Islands | 16.86 % | |
10 | Chile | 15.587 % | |
11 | United Kingdom | 14.577 % | |
12 | Ghana | 14.102 % | |
13 | United States | 13.504 % | |
14 | Indonesia | 13.455 % | |
15 | Switzerland | 13.126 % | |
16 | Cambodia | 11.122 % | |
17 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 10.488 % | |
18 | Peru | 9.824 % | |
19 | Vietnam | 9.418 % | |
20 | Brazil | 8.7 % | |
21 | Egypt | 8.239 % | |
22 | Sri Lanka | 6.99 % | |
23 | Eswatini | 6.444 % | |
24 | Portugal | 5.485 % | |
25 | Bolivia | 5.137 % | |
26 | Botswana | 4.958 % | |
27 | Uruguay | 4.781 % | |
28 | Dominican Republic | 4.249 % | |
29 | Turkey | 4.238 % | |
30 | Republic of Moldova | 4.185 % | |
31 | Argentina | 1.42 % | |
32 | Mexico | 0.842 % | |
33 | Angola | 0.024 % | |
34 | Zimbabwe | -0.85 % | |
35 | Colombia | -2.929 % | |
36 | El Salvador | -3.29 % | |
37 | Thailand | -3.36 % | |
38 | Zambia | -3.363 % | |
39 | Kiribati | -3.412 % | |
40 | Panama | -3.88 % | |
41 | Paraguay | -4.077 % | |
42 | Jordan | -4.682 % | |
43 | Ecuador | -8.73 % | |
44 | Costa Rica | -8.742 % | |
45 | Philippines | -12.661 % | |
46 | Guatemala | -12.983 % | |
47 | Honduras | -28.104 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #47
Honduras
- #46
Guatemala
- #45
Philippines
- #44
Costa Rica
- #43
Ecuador
- #42
Jordan
- #41
Paraguay
- #40
Panama
- #39
Kiribati
- #38
Zambia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2023, the Gender Wage Gap is most pronounced in Mali with a gap of 41.95%, while Honduras reports a negative gap of -28.10%, indicating women earn more than men. The global range for this metric spans from -28.10% to 41.95%. The global average gender wage gap is 6.53%, reflecting persistent disparities in income between men and women worldwide.
Understanding the Extremes: Economic and Cultural Drivers
The stark contrast between countries like Mali and Honduras underscores the complex interplay of economic, cultural, and policy factors influencing wage disparities. In Mali, with the highest gender wage gap at 41.95%, traditional gender roles and limited access to education for women may contribute significantly to the disparity. Economic sectors dominated by men, such as mining and agriculture, further exacerbate this gap.
Conversely, the negative wage gap in Honduras (-28.10%) suggests women earn more than men, potentially due to targeted policies promoting female employment in higher-paying sectors or a significant presence of women in industries like textiles, where female participation is historically strong. Similar trends are observed in Guatemala and Philippines, with gaps of -12.98% and -12.66% respectively, indicating regional efforts towards gender parity.
Regional Trends and Policy Impacts
Regional disparities in the gender wage gap often reflect differing policy frameworks and cultural norms. In Rwanda and Senegal, where the gaps are 31.82% and 28.89% respectively, traditional societal structures may limit women's access to high-paying jobs. These countries, however, are increasingly recognizing the need for gender equality in economic participation.
On the other hand, countries like Jordan and Paraguay show negative gaps of -4.68% and -4.08%. These figures indicate successful policy implementations, such as gender quotas in government and incentives for female entrepreneurship, contributing to narrower wage gaps.
Year-over-Year Changes: Significant Movers
Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals critical shifts in the gender wage gap landscape. Mali saw the largest increase, with a change of +19.24% (84.7%), highlighting a potential backslide in gender equality efforts. This could be attributed to economic disruptions or policy reversals.
Conversely, Ghana experienced the most significant decrease, with a gap reduction of -24.27% (-63.3%). This improvement may result from recent policies aimed at boosting women's participation in high-growth industries such as technology and finance. Similarly, Angola's decrease of -17.29% (-99.9%) could reflect successful interventions focused on education and employment equity.
Global Averages and the Path Forward
The global average gender wage gap of 6.53% highlights the ongoing challenge of achieving wage parity. While some countries demonstrate progress, many still grapple with systemic barriers that perpetuate disparities. It is essential for nations to implement and enforce policies that promote equal pay, access to education, and economic opportunities for women.
Countries with significant gaps, such as India (21.75%) and Mauritius (21.36%), can look to successful models in nations with negative gaps to guide their policy reforms. As the global economy evolves, addressing the gender wage gap becomes increasingly crucial for fostering inclusive growth and social equity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gender Wage Gap in 2023
Which country has the highest gender wage gap in 2023?
Mali has the highest gender wage gap in 2023, with a gap of 41.95%.
Which country has the lowest gender wage gap in 2023?
Honduras has the lowest gender wage gap in 2023, with a gap of -28.1%.
What is the average gender wage gap across all countries in the dataset for 2023?
The average gender wage gap across all countries in the dataset for 2023 is 6.53%.
What is the median gender wage gap in the dataset for 2023?
The median gender wage gap in the dataset for 2023 is 5.49%.
Which countries are in the top 3 for the highest gender wage gap in 2023?
The top 3 countries with the highest gender wage gap in 2023 are Mali (41.95%), Rwanda (31.82%), and Senegal (28.89%).
How many countries are included in the gender wage gap dataset for 2023?
The dataset for 2023 includes 47 countries.
Insights by country
Vietnam
In 2023, Vietnam ranks #19 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 9.418%. This figure is relatively competitive compared to the regional average in Southeast Asia, where wage gaps often exceed 15%. Key drivers of this statistic include Vietnam's rapid economic growth and increasing female participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors like textiles and services, which have historically offered lower wages.
Zambia
Zambia ranks #38 out of 47 countries with a Gender Wage Gap of -3.363 % in 2023. This figure indicates that women in Zambia earn slightly more than men, contrasting with many countries where the wage gap favors men. Key drivers include the country's focus on gender equity in labor policies and the growing participation of women in sectors such as agriculture and mining, which are critical to the economy.
Uruguay
In 2023, Uruguay ranks #27 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 4.781 %. This figure is notably lower than the average gap in Latin America, indicating a relatively equitable wage distribution compared to many regional counterparts. Key factors contributing to this statistic include Uruguay's progressive labor policies and strong emphasis on gender equality, which have fostered a more inclusive workforce.
Cambodia
In 2023, Cambodia ranks #16 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 11.122%. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively better position in gender pay equity compared to many countries. Key drivers of this statistic include Cambodia's ongoing economic development and policies aimed at promoting women's participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors such as textiles and agriculture.
Indonesia
In 2023, Indonesia ranks #14 globally with a gender wage gap of 13.455%. This figure is relatively favorable compared to many countries in the region, highlighting a commitment to gender equality in the workforce. Key drivers of this statistic include ongoing government initiatives aimed at improving women's access to education and employment, as well as cultural shifts towards more equitable labor practices.
Angola
In 2023, Angola ranks #33 out of 47 countries with a Gender Wage Gap of 0.024 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively equitable wage distribution compared to many nations. Key drivers of this statistic include Angola's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality through legislative reforms and initiatives aimed at increasing women's participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
Brazil
In 2023, Brazil ranks #20 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 8.7 %. This figure is relatively favorable compared to the regional average in South America, where the wage gap tends to be higher in many countries. Key drivers of Brazil's wage gap include persistent gender stereotypes in the workforce and disparities in access to higher-paying jobs, particularly in rural areas where women often face additional barriers.
India
In 2023, India ranks #4 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 21.746%. This gap is significant compared to the global average, indicating persistent disparities in earnings between men and women. Key drivers of this wage gap in India include entrenched societal norms that prioritize male employment, as well as limited access to education and job opportunities for women in various sectors.
Botswana
In 2023, Botswana has a Gender Wage Gap of 4.958 %, ranking #26 out of 47 countries. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a relatively equitable wage distribution compared to many nations. Key drivers of this positive outcome include Botswana's progressive labor policies and a growing emphasis on gender equality in the workplace, bolstered by initiatives aimed at empowering women economically.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranks #44 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of -8.742 % in 2023. This figure indicates a negative wage gap, suggesting that women earn more than men on average, which is an unusual trend compared to many countries worldwide.
Factors contributing to this situation include Costa Rica's strong commitment to gender equality policies and a relatively high female labor force participation rate, particularly in education and healthcare sectors. Additionally, the country has implemented various initiatives aimed at promoting women's rights and economic empowerment, further influencing wage dynamics.
Data Source
Gender wage gap, 2025
The dataset "Gender wage gap, 2025" from Our World in Data presents country-level statistics on the differences in average wages between genders, utilizing data from the International Labour Organization (ILO). It aims to provide insights into wage disparities across various countries and regions over time.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
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