Brazil slides in gender equality ranking

Brazil now ranks 71st on a list put together by the World Economic Forum on the gender equality scenario in 142 nations. The new list represents a step backwards for Brazil, as it previously occupied the 62nd place.

The ranking is based on the Global Gender Gap Report 2014, which measures discrepancies between men and women in such aspects as health care, education, economy, and political participation.

According to the report, Brazil redressed at least 70% of its gender inequality, which brings the nation to a situation not altogether different from last year. The document further mentions the country's female head of state, but also indicates slight disparity in salaries for similar jobs and estimated income.

In 2006, when the study was first conducted, Brazil ranked 67th among 115 countries. In the following years, the number of countries surveyed rose to 142, and the country slumped the 85th position in 2010. Later on, during the three subsequent years, Brazilians were observed to make progress in gender equality, albeit at a lower pace.

The organization further lists Brazil next to with seven other countries (the Bahamas, Belize, France, Guyana, Latvia, Namibia, and the Philippines) which have eliminated their gender differences in education and health care, but have been as yet unable to do the same as regards economy and political participation.

Iceland ranks first on the list, which means disparities between men and women are at their least significant. Next on the list come Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Pakistan, Chad and Yemen are found at the bottom.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira