Nicaragua leads in gender equity

In sixth position globally, Nicaragua has Central America’s highest level of gender equity, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report.

With a gender equity score of 81%, Nicaragua rose four places compared to last year, while Costa Rica fell three spots, mainly due to a smaller share of women in ministerial posts.

Panama’s gender parity score remained stable, while Guatemala in 103rd position worldwide is the worst performer in the isthmus.

Globally, Iceland is the leader in gender equity, while Chad is last.

The report ranks 144 countries on factors which include economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and life expectancy, and political empowerment (numbers in brackets indicate the global position of each country).

1            Nicaragua (6)
2            Costa Rica (41)
3            Panama (43)
4            El Salvador (62)
5            Honduras (74)
6            Guatemala (103)