Gender Wage Gap 2024
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 | Nigeria | 26.707 % | |
2 | Rwanda | 24.848 % | |
3 | India | 21.964 % | |
4 | Burkina Faso | 20.056 % | |
5 | Ghana | 19.268 % | |
6 | United Kingdom | 16.28 % | |
7 | Chile | 16.26 % | |
8 | United States | 15.321 % | |
9 | Bangladesh | 14.529 % | |
10 | Switzerland | 13.326 % | |
11 | State of Palestine | 13.213 % | |
12 | Senegal | 12.788 % | |
13 | Mongolia | 11.932 % | |
14 | Tanzania | 11.313 % | |
15 | Botswana | 10.949 % | |
16 | Brazil | 8.819 % | |
17 | Vietnam | 8.691 % | |
18 | Peru | 8.413 % | |
19 | Mauritius | 7.862 % | |
20 | Portugal | 7.175 % | |
21 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 6.283 % | |
22 | Argentina | 5.941 % | |
23 | Turkey | 5.939 % | |
24 | Egypt | 5.447 % | |
25 | Bolivia | 4.359 % | |
26 | Lesotho | 3.839 % | |
27 | Republic of Moldova | 2.873 % | |
28 | Fiji | 1.534 % | |
29 | Uruguay | 0.858 % | |
30 | Dominican Republic | 0.512 % | |
31 | Mexico | 0.008 % | |
32 | Zambia | -1.592 % | |
33 | Thailand | -3.641 % | |
34 | Colombia | -4.505 % | |
35 | Guatemala | -5.285 % | |
36 | Paraguay | -5.521 % | |
37 | Costa Rica | -6.339 % | |
38 | El Salvador | -7.059 % | |
39 | Ecuador | -8.267 % | |
40 | Panama | -11.77 % | |
41 | Honduras | -27.565 % |
- #1
Nigeria
- #2
Rwanda
- #3
India
- #4
Burkina Faso
- #5
Ghana
- #6
United Kingdom
- #7
Chile
- #8
United States
- #9
Bangladesh
- #10
Switzerland
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #41
Honduras
- #40
Panama
- #39
Ecuador
- #38
El Salvador
- #37
Costa Rica
- #36
Paraguay
- #35
Guatemala
- #34
Colombia
- #33
Thailand
- #32
Zambia
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2024, Nigeria leads the world with the highest Gender Wage Gap at 26.71%, while the global range spans from -27.57% to 26.71%. The global average gender wage gap is 5.99%, providing a benchmark for understanding this persistent economic issue.
Economic Factors Influencing the Gender Wage Gap
The gender wage gap is often influenced by a variety of economic factors, including the structure of the labor market and economic policies. In Nigeria, which has the highest gap at 26.71%, economic disparities can be attributed to the dominance of men in higher-paying industries and positions, which is a common scenario in many developing economies. Conversely, in countries like Honduras with a negative gap of -27.57%, women may occupy a significant portion of the workforce in sectors that traditionally pay better for female workers, such as certain service industries.
In Rwanda, the second-highest gap at 24.85%, cultural and economic factors intertwine. Despite progressive gender policies, economic opportunities remain skewed towards men. On the other hand, Panama shows a negative gap of -11.77%, suggesting that women are earning more than men, potentially due to targeted economic policies that promote female participation in high-paying sectors.
Policy Impact on Gender Wage Gap
Government policies play a crucial role in either mitigating or exacerbating the gender wage gap. In the United Kingdom, which has a gap of 16.28%, the introduction of gender pay gap reporting has increased transparency but shows that significant discrepancies remain, especially in executive roles. Meanwhile, Switzerland with a gap of 13.33%, demonstrates the impact of strong gender equality policies, yet cultural norms continue to hinder full parity.
In contrast, Costa Rica shows a negative gap of -6.34%, reflecting successful policy interventions aimed at empowering women through education and vocational training. These strategic moves have enabled women to access higher-paying roles traditionally dominated by men.
Year-over-Year Changes in Gender Wage Gap
The year-over-year data reveals significant shifts in some countries. Guatemala experienced the largest increase in the gender wage gap, rising by 7.70% to -5.29%. This change could reflect a growing disparity in economic sectors where men are seeing more substantial wage increases compared to women. Conversely, Senegal saw a dramatic decrease of -16.10% to -55.7%
Mauritius also exhibited a notable decrease of -13.49%, which could be attributed to increased female representation in high-paying industries. In Panama, the gap decreased by -7.89%, reflecting efforts to balance wage disparities through legislative measures.
Geographic and Cultural Influences on the Gender Wage Gap
Geographical and cultural contexts significantly impact the gender wage gap. In India, with a gap of 21.96%, deeply entrenched cultural norms often limit women's participation in the workforce, thereby widening the wage gap. Similarly, in Burkina Faso (gap of 20.06%), traditional gender roles continue to restrict economic opportunities for women.
In contrast, Thailand with a gap of -3.64%, benefits from a cultural context that supports female participation in the labor force, especially in industries like tourism and textiles where women are predominant. Zambia, with a gap of -1.59%, illustrates how cultural shifts towards gender inclusivity can contribute to closing the wage gap.
In summary, the 2024 gender wage gap data highlights the intricate interplay of economic, policy, and cultural factors across different countries. Understanding these dynamics is essential for developing targeted strategies to achieve greater gender wage parity globally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gender Wage Gap in 2024
Which country has the highest gender wage gap in 2024?
Nigeria has the highest gender wage gap in 2024, with a gap of 26.71%.
Which country has the lowest gender wage gap in 2024?
Honduras has the lowest gender wage gap in 2024, with a gap of -27.57%.
What is the average gender wage gap across the dataset in 2024?
The average gender wage gap across the dataset in 2024 is 5.99%.
What is the median gender wage gap in 2024?
The median gender wage gap in 2024 is 6.28%.
Which countries are in the top 3 for the highest gender wage gap in 2024?
The top 3 countries with the highest gender wage gap in 2024 are Nigeria (26.71%), Rwanda (24.85%), and India (21.96%).
How many countries are included in the gender wage gap dataset for 2024?
The dataset for the gender wage gap in 2024 includes 41 countries.
Insights by country
Colombia
In 2024, Colombia ranks #34 out of 41 countries with a Gender Wage Gap of -4.505 %. This figure indicates that women in Colombia earn slightly more than men on average, contrasting with the regional trend where many Latin American countries still exhibit significant wage disparities. Key factors influencing this statistic include Colombia's progressive labor laws aimed at promoting gender equality and the increasing participation of women in the workforce, particularly in urban areas.
Mauritius
In 2024, Mauritius has a Gender Wage Gap of 7.862 %, ranking #19 out of 41 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting Mauritius's commitment to gender equality in the workforce. Key drivers of this relatively low wage gap include progressive labor policies and a growing emphasis on women's participation in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as finance and technology.
Senegal
In 2024, Senegal ranks #12 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 12.788%. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively strong position among its peers. Key drivers behind this statistic include government initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the workforce and the increasing participation of women in various sectors, particularly in agriculture and services.
Egypt
In 2024, Egypt ranks #24 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 5.447 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating relatively better gender pay equality compared to many countries. The wage gap in Egypt is influenced by factors such as a growing female workforce and government initiatives aimed at improving women's economic participation. However, cultural norms and occupational segregation continue to pose challenges in achieving complete parity.
Lesotho
In 2024, Lesotho ranks #26 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 3.839%. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a relatively equitable wage distribution compared to many countries. The country's strong emphasis on gender equality in labor policies and the increasing participation of women in various sectors contribute to this positive outcome.
Portugal
In 2024, Portugal ranks #20 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 7.175%. This figure is notably lower than the average gap in the European Union, reflecting Portugal's commitment to gender equality. Key drivers of this statistic include progressive labor laws and a strong emphasis on women's participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors like education and healthcare.
Honduras
In 2024, Honduras ranks #41 out of 41 countries with a Gender Wage Gap of -27.565 %. This figure is significantly lower than many countries in the region, reflecting persistent inequalities in pay between men and women. Key drivers of this gap include a high prevalence of informal employment and limited access to education and professional opportunities for women, which hinder their economic advancement.
Republic of Moldova
In 2024, the Republic of Moldova has a Gender Wage Gap of 2.873 %, ranking #27 out of 41 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively favorable position in terms of gender pay equity. Contributing factors include Moldova's ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing gender equality in the labor market and a significant presence of women in various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare.
Switzerland
In 2024, Switzerland ranks #10 globally with a Gender Wage Gap of 13.326%. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting Switzerland's commitment to gender equality in the workplace. Key factors contributing to this statistic include strong labor laws promoting equal pay and a high level of female participation in the workforce, particularly in professional sectors.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a Gender Wage Gap of 6.283 %, ranking #21 out of 41 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively favorable position in the region. Contributing factors to this statistic include ongoing reforms aimed at improving labor rights and gender equality, alongside a significant presence of women in the workforce in various sectors.
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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