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| Women's happiness is directly related to the happiness of a nation. (Source: Women's agenda) |
The Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) at Georgetown University (USA) and the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) based in Norway have just released the Women, Peace and Security Index (WPS) 2023-2024 report.
The report ranks 177 countries on women's inclusion, equity and security based on an analysis of 13 indicators, including employment, public safety, financial inclusion, parliamentary representation , access to justice, proximity to armed conflict and more.
Topping the best country for women rankings is Denmark, followed by other European countries including Switzerland, Sweden, Finland and Luxembourg.
According to Elena Ortiz, a Georgetown University alumna and lead author of the report, the index shows that when women do well, everyone in society does well.
“Countries where women do well are more prosperous, peaceful, democratic and better prepared to cope with the impacts of climate change,” Ms. Elena Ortiz emphasized.
According to the report, the 20 lowest-ranking countries have experienced armed conflict in the past two years. Afghanistan ranked lowest on the index, followed by Yemen, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
In armed conflict, maternal mortality rates and the risk of gender-based violence increase, while barriers to employment andeducation prevent women and girls from pursuing livelihood opportunities.
For example, less than 6% of women are employed in Yemen, while in neighboring Oman the rate is 42% of women.
Countries with the highest rates of political violence against women include Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar.
Comparing the latest WPS Index with other global indices, such as UNESCO's study on violence against women journalists and the United Nations Human Development Index, the data shows that women's happiness is directly linked to a country's happiness.
Countries where women thrive score higher on peace, democracy and employment.
“The world is plagued by increasing conflict, rising authoritarianism and hindering women’s progress,” said Melanne Verveer, CEO of GWIPS.
In that context, “this index reminds us that there is a direct correlation between the happiness of women and the happiness of nations. Investing in promoting gender equality is also investing in peace, security and prosperity.”
According to this latest WPS ranking, Singapore leads the Southeast Asia region at 15th place, followed by Thailand (52), Malaysia (64) and Vietnam (78).
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