10 Most Women-Friendly Countries around the World

Looking for more freedom and opportunities as a woman in a different part of the world? Some countries are great places for women to grow and succeed, while others still have a long way to go.

Whether you’re thinking about working, studying, or just living somewhere that respects and supports women, this guide will help you find the best places for equality and empowerment.

What Makes a Country Good for Women?
More and more women are exploring life and work abroad to find better chances and experiences. But choosing where to go isn’t just about pretty views or job markets — it’s also about how women are treated and valued.

Top 10 Female-Friendly Nations

1. Iceland
Female Empowerment Score: 7.64/10

More than half of women in Iceland have college or university degrees, showing the country values equal education for all.

Iceland earned a perfect score on the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law Index, meaning it has strong legal rights and protections for women in all areas of life.

In the workplace, men and women are treated more equally, with small pay gaps and strict rules against discrimination. Women also play important roles in the government, proving the country supports female leadership.

2. Finland
Female Empowerment Score: 7.62/10

Finland stands out for having strong female leadership, with women making up half of the country’s ministers. It has also had four different female prime ministers, showing that women are fully accepted in top leadership roles.

The education system gives equal chances to women, leading to many earning college or university degrees. Finnish workplaces also support a healthy balance between work and home life, offering good parental leave and flexible hours that help women grow in their careers.

3. Ireland
Female Empowerment Score: 7.22/10

Ireland has changed a lot over the years, going from a very traditional society to a modern country that strongly supports women’s rights. It got a perfect score on the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law Index, showing that women have equal legal rights.

Women in Ireland also earn closer to what men earn, with a small wage gap of about 8%. Plus, new mothers get up to 182 days of paid maternity leave, giving them strong support at work and home.

4. Belgium

Belgium is a great place for women to work, thanks to modern labor laws and strong rules against discrimination.

It also supports a good balance between work and personal life, with flexible work options and generous parental leave for both parents.

5. Denmark

Denmark’s comprehensive social welfare system creates an environment where women can thrive without compromising their personal or professional goals.

The country offers excellent healthcare, education, and childcare support systems.

6. Canada

Canada is known for welcoming people from all backgrounds, making it a great place for women to feel included and respected.

Its multicultural approach helps create supportive communities, especially for women from other countries looking for new chances to grow and succeed.

7. France

France blends its rich history with modern values, offering great opportunities for women in many fields.

The country values education and learning, which helps women who want to grow in their studies or careers.

8. Norway

Norway’s oil wealth has enabled the creation of comprehensive social programs that particularly benefit women.

The country offers exceptional educational opportunities, healthcare access, and economic security.

9. Sweden

Sweden is known for new ideas, and that includes being a leader in women’s rights and gender equality.

It also provides great education and modern, supportive work environments for women.

10. Lithuania

Lithuania shows how much a country can improve after big changes, especially when it comes to women’s rights and chances. It has good schools and more job opportunities growing all the time.

Women in Lithuania also benefit from protections through the European Union, and the cost of living is lower than in many Western European countries. The fast growth of the country means there are lots of chances to move forward in your career.

 

Final Thoughts
There you have it — a look at countries where women are respected and supported without needing to explain or apologize for who they are.

From Iceland’s strong focus on equality to Lithuania’s great progress, these places show that when women are given real support, it benefits the whole society.