India ranks 131 on Global Gender Gap Index as Iceland leads the pack
The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap Index places India at 131 out of 145 economies, with only 14 countries ranking lower. Iceland remains at the top, followed by Finland and Norway. Globally, 69.2% of the gender gap has been closed, a 0.4‑point rise from the previous year, while full parity is projected to be more than a century away.
India’s score for economic participation and opportunity moved up, reflecting gains in professional and technical employment and in the share of women among legislators and senior managers. Educational attainment in India stayed near parity at 96.6%, and health and survival improved to 95.6%.
Why it matters
The ranking underscores the pace of gender‑equality progress in India, informing policymakers, investors and the public about persistent gaps.
How this story developed
- Sep 16 India holds 131st spot on Global Gender Gap Index as Iceland stays on top
- Sep 25 India’s economic participation and opportunity score rose to 41.2%.
