By B.NANDIN

Mongolia has climbed 20 places in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index, reflecting progress in gender equality, officials said.
At the first 2026 meeting of the National Committee on Gender Equality on March 6, it was noted that Mongolia moved from 85th place in 2024 to 65th in 2025, ranking fifth in the East Asia and Pacific region.
The country has also improved its position in women’s representation in parliament. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Mongolia advanced by 30 places to rank 98th globally. The improvement follows gradual amendments to election laws aimed at increasing women’s political participation. Currently, 32 women serve in parliament.
Despite this progress, challenges remain. Women make up 51 percent of Mongolia’s population, but account for 62 percent of those outside the labor force. Women’s labor force participation rate is 16.2 percentage points lower than men’s, and their average wages remain about 19 percent lower.
The government is working with the private sector to launch a “Returnship” program to help mothers return to work after childcare leave and ensure job security during that period.
Participants in the meeting also stressed that gender policy should address issues faced by men. Men account for only 38 percent of undergraduate students, while 72 percent of students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out are male. Male participation is also declining in social sectors such as healthcare and education.
During the meeting, 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.

Source: Zuuniimedee № 47 (7789) March 13, 2026

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