New report finds Canada safer than U.S. for women

Canada has ranked higher than the U.S. in a new global report that looks at women's safety, rights, and overall welfare.

Canada once again beat the U.S. in the latest Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security and the Peace Research Institute Oslo, which ranks 181 countries based on women's safety and well-being. The report, which is published every other year, scores and ranks countries according to three categories: inclusion, justice, and security. And according to experts, the rankings reflect a much broader picture of the country’s overall progress.

"Our data reaffirm that societies where women's status is higher are also more peaceful, prosperous, and resilient, including in the face of climate change and economic shocks," states the report.

Canada continues to face challenges when it comes to women's issues, but data suggest that it's making progress.

This time, the country moved up to 16th place, rising from 17th in the 2023/2024 rankings. The country stands out for women when it comes to financial autonomy, parliamentary representation, absence of legal discrimination, and relatively low rates of intimate partner violence.

In comparison, the U.S. remains among the 40 best countries for women, jumping six spots from 37 to 31. And according to a more detailed ranking for the U.S., Massachusetts is the top spot for equality and justice, while Louisiana is at the bottom at number 51.

As for the best country for women's rights and well-being, Denmark is once again in the number one spot with outstanding scores across all categories, while Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the list at 181.

According to the report, improving women's rights and status is a practical and collective responsibility.

"They have also been left to shoulder the responsibility of rebuilding their communities and improving their circumstances, often with little support," reads the report. "This reality must compel us to act — not comfort us."

These are the 20 best countries for women's well-being and safety, according to the Women, Peace, and Security Index:

1. Denmark
2. Iceland
3. Norway
4. Sweden
5. Finland
6. Luxembourg
7. Belgium
8. Netherlands
9. Austria
10. New Zealand
11. Australian
12. Estonia
13. Ireland
14. Slovenia
15. Lithuania
16. Canada
17. Latvia
18. Singapore
19. Switzerland
20. United Arab Emirates

Read the full report online.