It’s a common misconception that females everywhere have obtained equal rights, economic independence, and freedom. The fact is when it comes to issues like safety, reproductive freedoms, and income justice, not all countries are the same. After all, there’s a reason you’re researching the best countries for women. Because the way yours is run has a direct impact on the quality of its women’s lives. So, if you are thinking about moving abroad, consider each choice thoroughly.
Why You Should Move to One of the Best Countries for Women?
Any female before planning on hiring an overseas shipping company should thoroughly think about their options when it comes to the best countries to live in. The thing is, if you are a woman, your life is not going to be the same if you move to Argentina, Belgium, or South Africa. Because of your gender identity, you’ll always be more prone to various types of discrimination and violence your male counterparts won’t even perceive.
So, it is important to move somewhere your chances of having negative experiences in life will be lower. That’s where we come in, to guide you through the world’s options, and recommend the ultimate choices.
Is America the Best Country for Women?
If you are a US citizen thinking about hiring an overseas moving company and going through all the relocation stress that comes with packing when moving abroad, you probably already know the answer to this question. While the United States can’t be considered the worst place to live in as a woman, it definitely isn’t the best one either. The wage gap is notable, there’s no paid maternity leave, and violence against females is always present, and often even institutionalized.
So, as a girl, it’s only natural if you are thinking about living in another country. There are plenty of options to choose from – and we’ll present our seven favorite ones. Some might require breaking a language barrier or two, but at least you’ll be able to walk home alone at night without constantly looking over your shoulder. So, get ready to read about:
- New Zealand,
- Finland,
- Sweden,
- Norway,
- The Netherlands,
- Canada,
- Denmark.
#1 New Zealand Has Always Been One of the Leading Countries for Gender Equality
New Zealand has always been at the forefront of women’s rights. As the first country that has provided females with the right to vote in 1893, and had not one but two female presidents, it’s still one of the most progressive countries in the world.
When it comes to politics, the Kiwis are in the top five countries in relation to the representation of females in the parliament. And although the quotas in politics do not always mirror how real citizens live, in this case, it did leave a mark. The rising number of female politicians has led to better representation and freedoms for girls in the country in the last decade.
Sexual and Reproductive Rights In New Zealand Are Among the Most Progressive Everywhere
If you plan on moving to New Zealand from the United States, you might be shocked by the extent to which reproductive rights are recognized here. In March 2021, a bill that accords paid leave for women who’ve experienced miscarriages and stillbirths was granted. This bill provides both the females who’ve experienced a loss of pregnancy and their partners the chance to recuperate on their own time.
Additionally, Kiwi women are allowed to get an abortion up to 20 weeks into their pregnancy, and access to abortion and reproductive health services, in general, has been on the rise. To learn more about the history of the feminist fight in Aotearoa, check out the following video:
#2 If You Are Looking for the Best Countries for Women to Live In, Finland Has to Be on Your List
Another pioneer in gender equality, Finland was the first in Europe to allow for equal political rights in 1906. Today they still lead in the matter, providing the most generous parental leave policies worldwide, high representation in parliamentary politics, and accessible education to girls. The numbers don’t lie – more Finnish girls have university-level education or higher than those who don’t. So, if you are interested in studying and living abroad, consider relocating to the best European country to live in.
Finland Is Among the Most Female Friendly Countries When It Comes to Equality in the Work Sphere
The Finnish Labor Force Survey shows that a third of all self-employed entrepreneurs are female. Not only that but Finland has the highest number of female participation in labor worldwide. And it’s no wonder, as women here have had the right to paid employment for more than a century now.
So, whether you are a CEO or a regular employee, if you plan on moving overseas to Finland, you can expect to work in an amazing legal framework that protects your integrity. And you should not expect anything less from the country that has the highest ranking in equality in the workplace on multiple occasions.
#3 Sweden Is An Exemplar of How Centuries of Suffrage Can Birth a New Country
For years now, Sweden has been either the winner or the runner-up on any and every list of best countries for women’s rights. It seems that the centuries of struggle and suffrage birthed a political top that today strives to remove any gender-based inequality. So, if you are looking for a place where you can feel seen and respected as a woman, you might consider moving to Sweden.
Even the Swedish Society Experiences a Wage Gap
When it comes to the population of university-educated citizens, Sweden has around 15% more women than men. That being said, girls are still paid about 13% less than their colleagues on average. Although this number is better than almost any other so-called best place in Europe, it’s still a notable difference.
However, it’s one the political representatives have been working hard to change that. Since 2008, any Swedish company that hires more than 25 employees has to produce an audit of the pay differences between the genders. If the wage gap is significant, the companies will either have to pay a fine or find a better way to distribute their budget.
#4 Norway Is Among the Places With the Least Wage Gap
Even though feminism is laying low in Norway today, decades of hard work and reform have put this nation on display as a good place to live in as a female. The well-thought-out official Norwegian Strategy for achieving gender equality includes both positive discrimination and gender mainstreaming. Both of these lie on the premise that a truly free society requires equality to thrive.
Norway Has Worked Hard to Increase Women’s Financial Inclusion
In the World’s Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report from 2016, Norway was ranked as the third out of 144 countries when it comes to gender equality. And it’s no wonder, as it is one of the few countries that provides extensive parental leave to not only mothers but fathers as well. Furthermore, the Norwegian wage gap proves to be among the lowest in the world. So, if you want to live in a place where you’ll have equal opportunities in the workplace, moving to Norway should be considered.
#5 The Netherlands Are Great For LGBTQ+ Females
Are you wondering which country is best for a female moving internationally? Well, put on your clogs and get your travel documents ready, because it’s time to move to the Netherlands. Not only does the country provide great opportunities, education, and income to all genders, but the Netherlands legally advocates for equal LGBTQ+ policies. This makes it a great place for those who don’t identify as straight cis-women as well.
More And More Mothers Are Becoming a Part of the Labor Force
While the Netherlands has long been the best place for a single woman to live in the world, when it comes to those with a family, the tune was somewhat different. Being a single woman was for a long time formulated as a temporary situation, as the government’s politics encouraged females to bear children and take care of them.
This led to 24,2% of women with children being below the poverty line, in comparison to 0% of single fathers. That being said, things are drastically changing, as more and more women become a part of the workforce. And both paid parental leave and maternity leave become more accessible.
#6 Canada Has Great Workplace Opportunities and a Great Educational System for Young Females
Although a near and dear neighbor to the United States, Canada ranked much higher on lists answering the question of which country is best for a female. So, if you are looking for the best countries for single women to work, leisure, and live in, you may not have to travel much further than to one of the cheapest places to live in Canada. And given that slightly more than a half of the workforce is female, you probably won’t have a problem finding a job in Canada or fitting into the workplace.
Canada’s Ranking Relating to Freedoms From Gender-Based Violence Is Stellar
When it comes to freedom from gender-based violence, such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, and trafficking, Canada ranked first in a poll conducted by TrustLaw. Although the numbers are lower in comparison to other places, violent acts still have more female victims than male.
For this reason, Canada has posed a Gender-Based Violence Strategy in 2017 and has worked hard since in preventing these misdoings, as well as supporting the survivors and their loved ones. So if you wish to live in a country that advocates for its victims and survivors, immigrating to Canada might not be a bad idea.
#7 Denmark’s Strong Welfare State Brings Up the Happiest Women in the World
If you are basing the decision on where to move across the world on the question – which is the safest country for females? Denmark is another nation that should be on your list. Whether it’s financial or physical safety you are searching for, you’ll see that both are thriving right here. Furthermore, surveys show that here you can find the most equal attitudes to house chores, as well as great childcare and a parliament equally filled with males and females.
Retired Women Thrive in Denmark
If you have just retired or planned to, you might want to move to Copenhagen. Research shows that, out of all places in the European Union, women over 65 are the happiest right here. Not only have these females managed to collect wisdom and knowledge over the course of their lifetime, but they also have a strong welfare state holding their back.
That’s why Denmark has the reputation of being the best place to retire in Europe. And who wouldn’t be, knowing that after a life of labor (and might we add that workers in Denmark have an exemplary work-life balance) retirees here can count on a roof over their head, affordable healthcare, and of course, many amazing clubs and activities to take part in even in later years of their life.
Just Pick a Place on the Map, And Get to Sorting Out Your Belongings Because It’s Time to Get Moving
Not all countries regard female safety to the same extent, but all females go through some forms of discrimination and violence. So, we understand if your motive for moving is to be safe, seen, and heard in sites like the workplace, the doctor’s office, as well as in the streets. Once you rule on your favorite aforementioned nations with an adequate feminist-approved ranking and make the decision to learn a new language, all you have to do is hire an international moving company and get to shipping overseas your belongings. It’s as simple as that.