Would you like to plan your next move? New research reveals the best European countries for women to live and work in 2025. Credit: Iryna Kalamurza, Shutterstock
If you’re a woman wondering where you’re in Europe, the numbers include whether the grass really has greenery, especially when it comes to fair shots of work, money and good life. And yes, you might want to invest in a good pair of wool socks, as Northern Europe is absolutely destroying it.
Why Denmark, Finland and Sweden continue to take the lead
Don’t hit around the bushes. If women dream of a place where they don’t have to fight teeth and nails for basics like fair wages and decent maternity leave, they look no further than Denmark, Finland or Sweden. It’s almost unfair how far ahead they are.
Take Denmark for the starter. The women here are not only getting a whopping year and a half of maternity leave (yes, really) but also seeing some of the worst gaps when it comes to women in management. Equality is not just a buzzword, it feels like it’s burned into everyday life, from meeting rooms to groups of babies.
Finland isn’t that late either. The women out there are going to destroy the business, glass ceiling and do it all while the gender gap in employment is barely worth mentioning. We are talking about the difference between 1.5% of the differences elsewhere.
And then there is Sweden. Not only are Swedes offering new mothers a year off, but the gender pay gap is becoming smaller. Of course, there are more men than women who run at the very top, but when it comes to basic wages, good parenting, freedom of choice, living things are good.
A spokesman for the company behind the latest rankings said, “These countries have set a gold standard for what actual support looks like. If you want a blueprint for change, just look north.”
Why are Southern European countries lagging behind for women in 2025?
Sadly, it’s not all the sun and roses further south. If you’re heading towards Italy or Greece, expect a slightly more difficult battle. The survey puts both countries at the bottom of the list for working women in 2025.
Italy stands out for all the wrong reasons. Women here are excluded here, more than anywhere else in Western Europe. Greece isn’t that good. The lack of old-fashioned attitudes and policies designed with women in mind means it’s difficult to move forward.
And if you think the UK or France must be a safe bet, don’t be too comfortable. To my surprise in the UK, there are few women who start their own business. France is progressive as it may have the widest wage gap among top-ranked countries. There’s obviously something to do.
Secret Source: What makes life better for women?
What is the North Magic Form? In a nutshell, a culture that is truly interested in generous parental leave, clear rules about equal pay, real support for women in business, and allowing women to live outside the office.
It sounds simple, but anyone who has struggled with nursery fees or dangerous contracts will tell you. The difference is that countries like Denmark, Finland and Sweden are not only talking about it, they are making it happen. That’s why it makes the width so wide between them and places like Italy and Greece.
So, if you’re squeezing your next move, or if you’re fantasizing that life could be a bit more fair, look north. Winter isn’t the only cool thing.
Best European and Worst Countries for Women in 2025: In a nutshell
- Best bet for women in 2025? Denmark, Finland, Sweden.
- Behind: Italy and Greece.
- Big factors: equal wages, family-friendly policies, and a real chance to lead or start your own business.
- The rest of the lessons? Real change means putting your mouth (and your policy) into your mouth.
So, are you already packing your bags for Copenhagen or Stockholm? Or do you think Southern Sunshine is worth the fight for equality? Either way, keep on talking as all women deserve a fair shot wherever they call their home.
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