Global report 2024/ Less educated, the gender gap worsens in Albania

Albania ranks 23rd in the world according to the 2024 Gender Gap Index, published by the Global Economic Forum. Compared to a year ago, our country has fallen 6 places, but still stands above the countries of the region, Serbia (26), North Macedonia (58), Montenegro (67).

Albania has suffered a deep deterioration in terms of indicators related to educational achievements, dropping to 116th place from 33rd place a year ago, and political empowerment, from 28th place in 2023 to 30th place . While there has been an improvement in the indicators for health and survival, in the 128th place, an improvement of 5 places. Likewise, in the indicator of participation and economic opportunities, in 16th place from 18th a year ago.

As for the gender gap in Europe, Albania ranks 16th, leaving behind developed countries such as Italy and Austria. Iceland continues to hold the first place in the world for the 15th year in a row for the lowest gender gap between women and men, with 90.8%, followed by Finland, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Ireland (top 5).

"In 2024, Europe has the highest level of political equality of all regions. Eight economies in the region show parity at the ministerial level: Norway, Albania, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands and Portugal. Equality in parliaments varies significantly, with 16.7% of the gender gap closed in Cyprus and 90.8% in Iceland." Europe ranks first in the 2024 regional rankings, closing three-quarters of its gender gap (75%). Europe's overall equality score has improved by 6.2 percentage points since 2006.

WEF: It will take 5 generations to close the gender gap

The 2024 election year presents a unique opportunity to make progress in closing the global gender gap, according to the World Economic Forum.

"Gender inequality around the world has narrowed slightly over the past year, but at a slower pace than before. It is now estimated that it will take 134 years – or five generations – to close the global gender gap, up from 131 years in 2023,” the WEF said.

This year's inclusive election cycle could narrow that gap, however, by increasing women's representation in the political sphere, the non-governmental organization said.

"When so many people go to the polls around the world, and there are so many changes in political systems, there is an opportunity here to move forward. We cannot wait until 2158 for equality: the time for decisive action is now."

The WEF Global Gender Gap Report, now in its 18th year, is an annual index designed to measure gender equality. It identifies gender-based gaps in four areas: economic participation and opportunity; educational achievements; health and survival; and political empowerment.

Political participation was identified as an area of ??great imbalance, despite modest changes at the federal and local levels.

"With over 60 national elections due in 2024, and with around half of the world's population eligible to vote in this year's elections, women's political representation and the overall gender gap could improve," the report said.

According to a WEF report, last year women held about 27% of parliamentary seats and 23% of ministerial posts, and represented less than 10% of the world's heads of state.

"With over 60 national elections in 2024 and the largest global population in history set to vote, women's political representation and the overall gender gap can improve," the report added. /Monitor