The Gender Gap in Business

The World Economic Forum (WEF) releases an annual report on gender parity across the globe. 

When it comes to the future of work, leadership, and earning potential, there’s a “gender gap” that every Gen Z young woman—and her parents—should understand. One of the best tools for tracking that gap is the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report, a respected global study showing how women are faring in the workforce around the world and here in the U.S.

This isn’t just about fairness. It’s about opportunity—career options, income potential, leadership access, and long-term financial independence for the next generation.

What the WEF Gender Gap Report Actually Is

Each year, the WEF measures how well countries are doing in gender equality across four key areas:

1. Economic Participation & Opportunity (jobs, income, promotions, leadership)

2. Educational Attainment

3. Health & Survival

4. Political Empowerment

For PinkGenius—and for Gen Z women stepping into adulthood—the most important category is Economic Participation & Opportunity, because it reflects future earning power, career paths, and leadership access.

Global Stats: Business + Economic Opportunity

1. The world has closed only 60.7% of the gender gap in economic opportunity. That means nearly 40% of women’s global economic potential remains untapped.

2. Women worldwide still earn less and hold fewer leadership roles. Even in countries where women surpass men in education, economic rewards do not match.

3. Full global gender equality is projected to be 120+ years away. Gen Z women have a unique chance to accelerate change.

U.S. Stats: Business + Economic Opportunity

1. The U.S. continues to show gaps in pay and leadership. Women earn degrees at high rates, yet their advancement still lags behind men.

2. Women are highly educated but underrepresented in top roles—revealing a major opportunity for leadership development.

3. Closing the gender gap would significantly boost the U.S. economy. Equitable pay and leadership access strengthen national economic performance.