While women are exploring different life and career pathways across the globe, not every path is safe enough to explore alone. With rising crime and globalisation, you may never know what kind of dangers await your arrival. In such a case, finding places where it is safe to live and work is important.
A new global study has ranked the top 10 countries where women can experience the most supportive environments. The rankings were compiled by William Russell, a global insurance provider for expats with a methodology focused on key metrics that reflect how countries empower women, such as:
Gender pay gaps
Female representation in government
Access to higher education
Legal rights and protections
Workplace equality
Paid maternity leave
Safety and social attitudes
From Scandinavia to the Baltic, below, find 10 destinations with environments where women can thrive.
Iceland
Iceland is a global leader in the field of gender equality. With strong legal protections and a commitment to workplace equality, the country has created a society where women progress across sectors of politics, business and education. Iceland also consistently ranks high on global safety indexes, making it a good option for solo females.
Finland
There's a reason why Finland's the happiest country in the world. The country has been appreciated for its strong record of female political leadership where women hold 50% of the country's ministerial positions and have had 4 female prime ministers to date. It also has a supportive environment for higher education and workplace policies.
Ireland
Once a socially conservative nation, Ireland has undergone a transformation to become a progressive nation. Women enjoy relatively low wage disparities, generous maternity leave along with beneficial healthcare and education systems.
Belgium
Belgium is a perfect choice for those looking for a work-life balance. Flexible working hours, strong anti-discrimination laws , high educational achievement rates and proper representation make it easier for women to participate in the workforce. Additionally, the presence of international institutions such as the European Union headquarters also adds to the country's appeal.
Denmark
Women in Denmark revel in benefits from universal healthcare, subsidised childcare and extensive parental leave. This helps the country's social welfare system be a model to others and attracts women from across the globe to enhance their personal and professional lives.
Canada
Canada continues to be a part of the list with its focus on legal protection, multiculturalism, and inclusivity. The country supports women entrepreneurs and has various schemes for skill and education development.
France
France as they say has long gifted people the Parisian dream of life. Women here have access to quality education and professional opportunities in sectors such as arts, diplomacy and business. The cities are connected by metros and the government ensures supportive policies for working mothers, subsidised childcare, and gender pay monitoring.
Norway
Norway's anti-discrimination laws, gender equality laws, gender quotas for corporate boards and more such initiatives ensure female representation in leadership. The country also attracts migrants for its exceptional educational and healthcare systems which combined with its natural beauty offer a serene lifestyle.
Sweden
Sweden is often considered a global benchmark for workplace equality. It offers parental leave, gender-balanced workspaces and flexible working hours, among other things. It is particularly ideal for those interested in STEM fields, offering opportunities in tech, engineering and scientific research.
Lithuania
Lithuania is one of the fastest developing destinations in Europe, providing high-level education to women, a low cost of living and increasing job prospects. Additionally, with it being a part of the EU framework, it also ensures safety, freedom of movement and legal protection.
A new global study has ranked the top 10 countries where women can experience the most supportive environments. The rankings were compiled by William Russell, a global insurance provider for expats with a methodology focused on key metrics that reflect how countries empower women, such as:
Gender pay gaps
Female representation in government
Access to higher education
Legal rights and protections
Workplace equality
Paid maternity leave
Safety and social attitudes
From Scandinavia to the Baltic, below, find 10 destinations with environments where women can thrive.
Iceland
Iceland is a global leader in the field of gender equality. With strong legal protections and a commitment to workplace equality, the country has created a society where women progress across sectors of politics, business and education. Iceland also consistently ranks high on global safety indexes, making it a good option for solo females.
Finland
There's a reason why Finland's the happiest country in the world. The country has been appreciated for its strong record of female political leadership where women hold 50% of the country's ministerial positions and have had 4 female prime ministers to date. It also has a supportive environment for higher education and workplace policies.
Ireland
Once a socially conservative nation, Ireland has undergone a transformation to become a progressive nation. Women enjoy relatively low wage disparities, generous maternity leave along with beneficial healthcare and education systems.
Belgium
Belgium is a perfect choice for those looking for a work-life balance. Flexible working hours, strong anti-discrimination laws , high educational achievement rates and proper representation make it easier for women to participate in the workforce. Additionally, the presence of international institutions such as the European Union headquarters also adds to the country's appeal.
Denmark
Women in Denmark revel in benefits from universal healthcare, subsidised childcare and extensive parental leave. This helps the country's social welfare system be a model to others and attracts women from across the globe to enhance their personal and professional lives.
Canada
Canada continues to be a part of the list with its focus on legal protection, multiculturalism, and inclusivity. The country supports women entrepreneurs and has various schemes for skill and education development.
France
France as they say has long gifted people the Parisian dream of life. Women here have access to quality education and professional opportunities in sectors such as arts, diplomacy and business. The cities are connected by metros and the government ensures supportive policies for working mothers, subsidised childcare, and gender pay monitoring.
Norway
Norway's anti-discrimination laws, gender equality laws, gender quotas for corporate boards and more such initiatives ensure female representation in leadership. The country also attracts migrants for its exceptional educational and healthcare systems which combined with its natural beauty offer a serene lifestyle.
Sweden
Sweden is often considered a global benchmark for workplace equality. It offers parental leave, gender-balanced workspaces and flexible working hours, among other things. It is particularly ideal for those interested in STEM fields, offering opportunities in tech, engineering and scientific research.
Lithuania
Lithuania is one of the fastest developing destinations in Europe, providing high-level education to women, a low cost of living and increasing job prospects. Additionally, with it being a part of the EU framework, it also ensures safety, freedom of movement and legal protection.
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