Australia has ranked 8th in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Gender Gap Report, breaking into to the top ten and achieving its highest ever ranking for gender equality, out of 148 countries.
 
This result reflects the Albanese Government’s sustained action to improve the lives of women and girls, including lifting wages in female-dominated industries, expanding Paid Parental Leave to six months with superannuation, and making significant investments in women’s health.
 
It also reflects the progress made on women’s representation in government, with women making up the majority of Cabinet for the first time and more women serving across the Parliament.
 
Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has jumped 35 places in the global rankings, from 43rd to 8th.
 
The Index shows that progress in Australia is translating to the global stage, with the Index assessing key measures of gender equality, including political representation, economic participation, educational attainment and health.
 
The report is available here: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2026/

As at 16 September 2026.