Jamaica continues to demonstrate steady progress in closing the gender gap, earning an overall score of 0.762 in the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The country ranks 38th out of 146 countries, with notable improvements in areas such as political leadership, skilled workforce participation, and ministerial representation for women. Jamaica also secured the number one global ranking in Educational Attainment, leading all countries in enrolment at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, a reflection of the country’s strong commitment to inclusive education.

According to the report, women currently hold 37.5% of Cabinet positions and 40% of seats in Parliament, placing Jamaica 20th globally for female representation at the ministerial level. The country also ranks 21st in the world for women in technical and professional roles, highlighting the increasing presence of Jamaican women in skilled sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, welcomed the findings, noting: “Jamaica’s progress in the Global Gender Gap Report is a powerful reminder that we are moving in the right direction. From Parliament to the Cabinet, from our communities to our businesses, we are seeing more women step into spaces of leadership and influence. But true gender equality demands more. We must continue to break down barriers, ensuring our women are safe, economically empowered, and equally represented across all sectors of society. The Government remains committed to closing every gap so that no Jamaican is left behind.”

Despite these advances, the report highlights areas where continued focus is needed, particularly in economic participation. Only 29.2% of Jamaican firms are majority-owned by women, and gender-based wage disparities persist. Health and safety also remain national priorities, with the report underscoring the urgent need to address gender-based violence and further improve outcomes for women’s health and survival.

Complementing the country’s broader gender equality performance is Jamaica’s exceptional result in Educational Attainment, where it ranks 1st globally. The nation leads the world in enrolment across all levels of education, marking a major milestone in the push for equal opportunity through learning.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, expressed pride in the country’s educational success:

“Jamaica’s top ranking in education is a proud reflection of our long-standing commitment to learning as the foundation of national development. Our efforts to remove barriers to access, promote gender equity, and strengthen our institutions are delivering real impact. Now, our focus must be on translating this educational success into greater equality in the workforce and in leadership.”

The Global Gender Gap Report, now in its 19th edition, is produced annually by the World Economic Forum, a globally respected institution that benchmarks national progress in four key areas: Educational Attainment, Economic Participation and Opportunity, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it is a globally respected institution focused on shaping policy, innovation, and inclusive development. The Global Gender Gap Report is a key international tool that tracks how countries are closing gender gaps in access and opportunity.

Jamaica’s performance not only highlights areas of achievement but also presents a clear roadmap for future action. The Government of Jamaica, in collaboration with civil society and development partners, remains committed to creating a fair and inclusive society where every Jamaican has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender.