Sweden still on top but progress has stalled
This week, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) presented the 2024 index. Sweden is still the most gender equal country in the EU, but in recent years, progress has reversed.
Since 2010, EIGE has monitored gender equality in the EU member states. Sweden usually tops the list and does so again this year with 82 points out of a possible 100. The EU average in 2024 is 71 points.
"The index is a composite of indicators across several areas, largely reflecting the Swedish gender equality policy sub-goals. Sweden scores the highest of all countries in the index, but we have decreased slightly since 2021, and our progress is described as stalled," says Annika Karlsson, head of department at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency.
The decrease is mainly due to a decline in gender equality in the economic sector. Sweden ranks lower than several countries in this area.
"The stagnation in Sweden's progress towards greater gender equality aligns with our own analyses," says Annika Karlsson.
Overall, countries in the eastern parts of the EU score lower than those in northern and western Europe. Southern European countries are in the middle. The countries that have made the most progress since the last index are Malta, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.
EIGE's Gender Equality Index was presented at the Gender Equality Forum in Brussels. The aim is to bring together experts, authorities, politicians, researchers, media, businesses, and civil society in the EU member states to discuss gender equality in the EU. The forum had a special focus on youth. Another important area was discussions on preventing and combating men's violence against women.
Publication date: 13 December 2024
Last updated: 13 December 2024