Japan's dismal ranking on gender equality slips further
GENEVA, Switzerland -- Japan's ranking in a global survey on gender equality fell even further this year, a private research institute here has said.
World Economic Forum announced on Wednesday that Japan ranked 98th among 130 countries around the world in terms of gender equality, dropping from the 91st place the previous year.
Northern European countries ranked high, with Norway recognized as closest to realizing complete gender equality, followed by Finland and Sweden.
The ranking was based on such factors as the percentage of women in decision-making posts, as well as education opportunities and average life expectancy. Resources including statistics compiled by the United Nations were used as reference.
In Japan, there was relatively little gender gap in the fields of education and health, but Japan ranked below 100th in terms of women's participation in economics and politics.
Among Asian countries, the Philippines ranked the highest, at 6th, while China placed at 57th and South Korea at 108th.
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(Mainichi Japan) November 13, 2008
