For the first time, the Republic of Moldova has entered the top 10 of the Global Gender Equality Index, ranking 7th out of 147 countries in the World Economic Forum 2025 edition. This achievement places Moldova ahead of countries such as Germany, Ireland, and Sweden, establishing it as a global leader in promoting gender equality.
“Moldova’s efforts to promote gender equality are recognized internationally,” stated President Maia Sandu.
“In 2025, our country ranks 7th in the Global Gender Equality Ranking—a result that reflects our progress toward a society where women and men have equal opportunities in public and professional life. We still have work to do, but we are moving toward a Moldova where every person can fully realize their potential,” she added.
Gender Equality Milestones
According to the 2025 report, Moldova has reduced gender gaps by 81.3%, recording a 0.023-point improvement in its overall score compared to the previous year. The most significant progress was in political participation, where Moldova’s score rose by 7.5 percentage points, reaching 42.5%. Since the index launched in 2006, Moldova has tripled its performance in this category by significantly increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles.
The Global Gender Equality Index, published annually by the World Economic Forum, assesses countries in four key dimensions:
- Economic participation
- Education
- Health
- Political participation
While Iceland remains at the top of the index, Pakistan ranks last. Moldova’s neighbors, Romania and Ukraine, rank 94th and 62nd, respectively.
Moldova’s rapid ascent in the rankings reflects sustained national efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable society.