There’s no denying it: when it comes to education and employment, women are on a roll, all over the world. Still data show that across all OECD countries, less than half of advanced research qualifications such as doctorates were awarded to women in 2009.

On the employment side, the Nordic countries, Germany and Portugal have instituted policies allowing fathers to receive parental leave and income support so their spouses can remain in the workforce.  In Iceland, Norway and Spain, some firms are required to have at least 40% of their boardroom seats assigned to women.

While girls and women have made strong gains, it’s time to finish the job. To promote gender equality even further, policymakers should be encouraged to pursue policies to increase mathematics and science performance among girls – as well as reading achievement among boys. Meanwhile, initiatives to break down gender stereotypes in fields of study and progressive corporate policies can do more to increase women’s employment opportunities.

Source: OECD