The bar charts compare the employment rates for men and women in Canada, South Korea, and Sweden across the years 2005 and 2015.
In 2005, the male employment rate in Sweden was the highest, at almost 70%, with South Korea closely following. Canada had a lower rate for men, hovering around 60%. The female employment rates for that year were considerably lower in all three countries, with Sweden leading at about 60%, Canada at approximately 50%, and South Korea trailing at around 40%.
By 2015, the situation had evolved. In Sweden, the employment rates for women saw an impressive rise, achieving near equality with men, both around 70%. South Korea’s female employment rate experienced a remarkable increase, jumping to just over 50%, greatly narrowing the gender gap as the male employment rate slightly declined to just under 70%. In Canada, while the female employment rate improved, surpassing the 50% mark, the male employment rate reduced marginally, yet it remained above the female rate at about 60%.
Overall, the most dramatic change across the decade was observed in South Korea, where female employment rates rose significantly. Sweden displayed the most gender-balanced employment rates by 2015, while Canada, despite improvements, still showed a persistent gender gap in employment.