What: Sweden leads the OECD's glass-ceiling index in 2025, while persistent gender gaps in labour participation and wages continue to hinder women's advancement across major economies.

Why it is important: This comprehensive analysis of workplace gender equality across OECD countries provides retailers with actionable insights for addressing leadership diversity gaps, especially significant as only four of nine recent creative director appointments went to women or people of colour.

The Economist's 2025 glass-ceiling index reveals Sweden's ascendance to the top position, ending Iceland's two-year dominance in workplace gender equality. The Nordic region's consistent strong performance stems from policies supporting gender equality and working parents, creating a model for other nations. Despite women's higher university graduation rates (45% compared to 36.9% for men), significant challenges persist across the OECD. Labour force participation remains lower for women at 66.6% compared to men's 81%, with stark regional variations from Iceland's 82% to Italy's 58%. The gender pay gap continues, with women earning 11.4% less than men, while board representation has improved from 21% in 2016 to 33% today. Political representation has reached a historic high, exceeding 34% of parliamentary seats. However, parental support varies dramatically, with the United States standing alone among rich nations without nationally mandated parental leave, while Hungary and Slovakia offer extensive paid leave for mothers.

IADS Notes: Recent retail industry data reinforces the glass-ceiling index findings about workplace gender inequality. While women control 75% of global discretionary spending and represent a USD 32 trillion market opportunity , they remain underrepresented in leadership positions, with only four of nine recent creative director appointments going to women or people of colour . The retail sector's high turnover rate of 51%  suggests a direct link between gender inequality and talent retention challenges. Progressive policies supporting gender equality, as seen in the Nordic countries' success, offer practical solutions for addressing these industry-wide challenges. Some positive change is emerging, exemplified by major Asian retailers like Seven & i Holdings breaking traditional barriers with more diverse leadership appointments , but significant work remains to close the global gender gap in retail leadership.

Women in the workforce: the glass-ceiling index 2025