Philippines ranks 8th on list of best countries to be a woman

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines ranked eight on best countries to be a woman, the World Economic Forum (WEF) reported.

In the latest Global Gender Gap Index report, the Philippines garnered an average score of 7.99.

According to WEF, Iceland remains at the top of the index with a score of 8.58, making its 10th consecutive year to lead the global ranking.

Norway, Sweden, and Finland ranked second, third, and fourth respectively for the best countries to be a woman.

All three countries are Nordic nations, the WEF said. Norway scored an average of 8.35, Sweden got 8.22 average score, while Finland tallied 8.21.

WEF said Nicaragua climbed its way from 62nd back in 2006 to rank fifth for the 2018 index report. Nicaragua was dubbed by the WEF as “one of the biggest success stories.”

With Nicaragua landing in the fifth spot, Rwanda fell to sixth place. The two countries had an average score of 8.09 and 8.04 respectively.

Falling behind Rwanda is New Zealand with a score of 8.01. Ranking ninth is Ireland with percentage score of 7.96.

WEF also noted in its report that the Namibia climbed three places from the previous index report.

Namibia ranked 10th and is the second sub-Saharan African country to be part of the leading countries next to Rwanda.

WEF added that in its first Gender Gap index released in 2006, Namibia only ranked 38th. However, the said country then improved its ranking over the years and tallied a more than 10 percent improvement rate.  /muf