The 2026 Global Gender Gap Report, published by the World Economic Forum, has highlighted significant differences between men and women in Tunisia across various aspects. The report shows that while Tunisia has made progress in certain areas, the pace of change is uneven across different spheres of social life. In education, Tunisia scored 97.4%, ranking 106th globally, with parity achieved in primary, secondary, and tertiary education enrollment, with 100% enrollment at all three levels.
In the health sector, Tunisia's score is 96.8%, placing it 80th globally. The country ranks first in terms of the ratio of male to female births and 91st in terms of healthy life expectancy. These high levels of parity in education and health contrast with the gaps observed in other areas. In the economic domain, Tunisia scored 51.9% for the economic participation and opportunity index, ranking 131st globally. The data indicate that the economic activity rate is one of the main points of divergence, with Tunisia ranking 138th globally with 41.1%.
The estimated income from work does not exceed 36.3%, while the proportion of women among legislators, senior officials, and leaders reaches 26.3%. However, Tunisia scored higher for the presence of women in intellectual and technical professions, with 93.7%. This suggests that despite progress in certain professional segments, the economic gap remains significant. The country's performance in the economic sector is a concern, given the importance of economic empowerment for women's overall well-being.
In the political sphere, the gap is more pronounced, with the political empowerment index standing at 14%, ranking Tunisia 109th globally. The share of women in parliament is 18.8%, while the proportion of female ministers is 26.3%. The indicator for the number of years a woman or man has held the position of head of state over the past 50 years stands at 3.7%, placing Tunisia 58th in this regard. These numbers highlight a clear difference between the levels of parity in education and health and effective participation in the economic and political spheres.
Over the past 20 years, Tunisia has made progress in reducing the overall gender gap, moving from 62.9% in 2006 to 65% in 2026. However, the report notes that progress has been uneven across different sectors. While education and health have seen significant improvements, the economic and political spheres continue to lag behind. This uneven progress highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the specific challenges facing women in different areas.
The report's findings have important implications for policymakers and stakeholders in Tunisia. To address the gender gap, policymakers will need to develop targeted strategies to promote women's economic empowerment and political participation. This may involve initiatives to increase access to education and training, as well as measures to promote women's leadership and representation in decision-making positions.
The 2026 Global Gender Gap Report provides a comprehensive overview of the state of gender equality in Tunisia and around the world. The report's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in all sectors. By working together, stakeholders can help create a more equitable society where women and men have equal opportunities to succeed.
Key points
- Tunisia's gender gap varies across different sectors, with limited gaps in education and health, but larger gaps in economic participation and political empowerment.
- The country's economic participation and opportunity index stands at 51.9%, ranking 131st globally.
- The political empowerment index stands at 14%, ranking Tunisia 109th globally.
