Belgium
Gender Gap

In Belgium, the gender gap manifests in disparities between men and women across various spheres, including employment, education, and political representation. Despite progress, significant inequalities persist, impacting women’s opportunities and outcomes in society.

In the labor market, women in Belgium continue to encounter challenges such as wage gaps, limited access to leadership positions, and a disproportionate burden of unpaid care work. While efforts have been made to address these issues, women still earn less on average than men and are underrepresented in higher-paying industries and professions.

In terms of education, Belgian women generally perform well academically and have high rates of educational attainment. However, they remain underrepresented in certain fields such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), which can limit their opportunities for career advancement and economic empowerment.

Political representation also remains a concern, with women occupying fewer leadership positions in government and decision-making bodies. While Belgium has made progress in increasing the number of women in parliament and ministerial positions, they still constitute a minority in these roles.

Addressing the gender gap in Belgium requires concerted efforts from government, businesses, civil society, and individuals. Initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, such as gender quotas, affirmative action measures, and awareness campaigns, are essential for fostering a more inclusive society.

By acknowledging and actively working to address the gender gap, Belgium can create a more equitable society where individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to thrive and contribute to their fullest potential.


World Economic Forum

Global Gender Gap Report Belgium

The Global Gender Gap Report benchmarks countries on their progress towards gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

2021
Rank: 13 (out of 156 countries)
Score: 0.789
report

2020
Rank: 27 (out of 153 countries)
Score: 0.750

2017
Rank: 31 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0.739

2016
Rank: 24 (out of 144 countries)
Score: 0.745


UN Women in Brussels

Women Count Data Hub: Belgium

Globally, some progress on women’s rights has been achieved. In Belgium, the adolescent birth rate is 5.5 per 1,000 women aged 15–19 as of 2018, down from 5.9 per 1,000 in 2017. As of February 2021, 42% of seats in parliament were held by women.

Country Fact Sheet
> data.unwomen.org/country/belgium