Mongolian
Mongolia has climbed 20 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, reflecting progress in gender equality, Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar said on March 6, 2026.
Speaking at the first 2026 meeting of the National Committee on Gender Equality, the Prime Minister said Mongolia moved from 85th place in 2024 to 65th in 2025. The country now ranks fifth in the East Asia and Pacific region.
Mongolia has also improved its standing in women’s representation in parliament. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the country advanced by 30 places to rank 98th globally. The improvement follows gradual amendments to election legislation aimed at increasing women’s political participation. Thirty-two women currently serve in parliament.
Women account for 51% of Mongolia’s population but represent 62% of those outside the labor force. Women’s labor force participation rate remains 16.2 percentage points lower than that of men, while their average wages are about 19% lower.
The government is working with the private sector to launch a “Returnship” program designed to help mothers return to work after childcare leave and ensure job security during such leave, the Prime Minister said.
Committee members noted that gender policy should also address challenges faced by men. Men make up only 38% of undergraduate students, while 72% of students who have dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out are male. Male participation is also declining in social service sectors such as healthcare and education.
S. Byambatsogt, chief of the Cabinet Secretariat and deputy chair of the committee, presented a report on population development policy and youth issues, including challenges faced by young herders and single young men.
The committee also approved its 2026 action plan, which includes more than 70 measures aimed at promoting equal economic opportunities, expanding participation, and strengthening Mongolia’s national system for ensuring gender equality.
