10 Worst Countries for Women in 2024

Despite global efforts to improve gender equality, several countries continue to score poorly on key indicators affecting women’s lives, including access to education, healthcare, political representation, and freedom from violence. The Gender Inequality Index (GII) is a measure that reflects inequality in these key areas. In 2024, the following 10 countries were the worst for women based on their GII scores. These countries demonstrate significant challenges for women, whether due to conflict, weak legal frameworks, or entrenched cultural and societal norms that limit women’s rights.

1. Afghanistan (GII Score: 0.286)

Afghanistan continues to top the list as the worst country for women in 2024, with a GII score of 0.286. The Taliban’s control has severely curtailed women’s rights, banning them from higher education, public spaces, and many professions. Women are largely confined to their homes, and child marriages and forced marriages are widespread. The justice system offers little protection, and the cultural restrictions are harshly enforced.

Key Issues:

• Lack of access to education and employment.
• Restriction of women’s mobility and freedom.
• Forced marriages and high maternal mortality rates.

2. Yemen (GII Score: 0.287)

Yemen, ravaged by years of civil war and humanitarian crisis, ranks as the second worst country for women. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated poverty, food insecurity, and gender-based violence. Women face high levels of sexual violence, limited access to healthcare, and deeply entrenched gender discrimination.

Key Issues:

• Limited healthcare access, especially maternal care.
• High rates of child marriage.
• Extreme gender-based violence and exploitation.

3. Central African Republic (GII Score: 0.378)

The Central African Republic has been marked by instability and violence for years, and women in the country face some of the most severe consequences. Gender-based violence, including rape as a weapon of war, is widespread, and many women lack access to education, healthcare, and basic legal protections.

Key Issues:

• Sexual violence in conflict zones.
• High rates of child marriage and exploitation.
• Limited access to education and healthcare for women.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (GII Score: 0.384)

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been one of the most dangerous countries for women for years due to ongoing conflict and widespread sexual violence. Women and girls are subjected to rape, forced labor, and lack of healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The justice system often fails to prosecute crimes against women.

Key Issues:

• Widespread sexual violence, particularly in conflict regions.
• High maternal mortality rates.
• Limited education and employment opportunities.

5. South Sudan (GII Score: 0.388)

South Sudan remains embroiled in conflict, and women face extreme risks due to instability and lawlessness. Women are often targeted in violent attacks, and child marriage is common. Healthcare services are minimal, leading to some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

Key Issues:

• Gender-based violence and lack of legal protection.
• Child marriages and exploitation.
• Limited access to education and healthcare.

6. Burundi (GII Score: 0.394)

Burundi faces significant challenges when it comes to women’s rights and well-being. With ongoing political instability and poverty, women in Burundi face high rates of domestic violence, restricted access to education, and severe healthcare deficiencies, especially in rural areas.

Key Issues:

• Domestic and gender-based violence.
• Lack of access to healthcare and education.
• Cultural norms that limit women’s rights and opportunities.

7. Syria (GII Score: 0.407)

Syria, still in the grip of a prolonged civil war, continues to rank among the worst countries for women. The conflict has displaced millions, and women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitation, forced marriages, and lack of access to basic health services. Refugee camps are notorious for gender-based violence.

Key Issues:

• Sexual violence, especially against displaced women.
• Forced marriages and child marriages have risen during the conflict.
• Limited healthcare and education access.

8. Eswatini (GII Score: 0.415)

Eswatini, one of the last remaining absolute monarchies, ranks poorly for women due to high levels of gender-based violence, lack of political representation, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Women face limited legal protections, and child marriages are still prevalent in some areas.

Key Issues:

• High rates of domestic and sexual violence.
• Limited access to education and political participation.
• Prevalence of child marriage.

9. Somalia (GII Score: 0.417)

Somalia has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation (FGM), which affects over 90% of Somali women. Sexual violence and forced marriages are common, especially in conflict zones. Women also have minimal access to healthcare and education, with cultural norms severely restricting their rights.

Key Issues:

• Widespread FGM and child marriages.
• High rates of sexual violence.
• Limited access to healthcare and education for women.

10. Iraq (GII Score: 0.424)

Iraq has experienced years of conflict, and women have faced significant setbacks in terms of rights and freedoms. Gender-based violence, honor killings, and sexual exploitation are serious issues. Despite legal frameworks that offer some protections, enforcement is weak, and cultural barriers remain strong.

Key Issues:

• Gender-based violence, including honor killings.
• Limited access to healthcare and education.
• Cultural restrictions on women’s rights and mobility.

10 worst countries for women in 2024 based on their Gender Inequality Index (GII) scores

Conclusion

The 2024 Gender Inequality Index (GII) underscores the challenges faced by women in these 10 countries. Ongoing conflicts, weak legal systems, entrenched patriarchal norms and limited access to education and healthcare are common threads across these nations. Efforts to improve women’s rights in these regions require sustained international attention, humanitarian aid, and grassroots activism to bring about meaningful change. The global community must continue to work toward reducing the extreme inequalities that women in these countries face daily.

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