Using the Global Gender Gap Index, the World Economic Forum publishes an annual report quantifying the magnitude of gender-based disparities, tracking their progress over time. The Index measures gender equality across four key areas: 

• economic participation and opportunity
• educational attainment
• health and survival, and
• political empowerment.

This is the first report. In 2006, Sweden was ranked first, and Australia 15th, of a total of 115 countries included in this report.

APO endeavours to hold all subsequent reports.