Every year the World Economic Forum releases an annual report on the state of gender equality in every country. This year, Yemen ranked last, having closed less than 50% of its gender gap (the level of gender-based inequality). The report is based on statistics in four areas: economics, politics, education, and health.

Research in Yemen revealed some startling statistics:

1. The earned income of Yemeni woman is one-third of a male counterpart
2. Only 4% of elected officials are women
3. Less than 40% of women have learned to read

Like many other countries, Yemen’s disparities can be largely attributed to culture. For example, although Yemen has had a 15% female quota requirement for candidacies since 2006, little change has resulted in the last several election cycles.

In addition, many families choose to educate boys rather than girls since a growing population has caused many Yemeni schools to become overcrowded.

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum told the Yemen Observer, “It is more important now than ever before for countries and companies to pay heed to one of the fundamental cornerstones of economic growth available to them – the skills and talent of their female human resource pool.”

Yemen ranks last in gender equality, WEF report- Yemen Observer