More than a century after ratification of the 19th Amendment, progress toward full women’s equality in the United States is still uneven. Women have more pathways than ever, yet systemic barriers in pay, leadership, and representation remain stubbornly persistent.
On the global stage, the U.S. still has ground to cover. In the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, the United States placed 42nd of 148 countries—a one-spot improvement from last year, but far from a leadership position.
Gender Inequality in Leadership and Work
Despite strong gains in education and professional attainment, women’s presence in decision-making roles lags: women hold just 28% of legislative seats nationally and roughly 33% of S&P 500 board positions.
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Quick Stat: Women make up over half of the U.S. population, yet hold only about one in three corporate board seats.
How Women’s Equality Was Measured
To pinpoint where women experience the most parity, WalletHub evaluated all 50 states across 17 indicators, including:
- Gaps in executive leadership and managerial ranks
- Wage and income disparities
- Differences in unemployment rates
- Educational attainment by gender
- State and federal political representation
Top 10 States for Women’s Equality
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- Maryland
- Maine
- Oregon
- New Mexico
- California
- Iowa
- Alaska
- Vermont
These states tend to pair narrower wage gaps with stronger representation and healthier pipelines for women into leadership.
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Did you know? Nevada is the only state with a sustained female majority in its legislature.
Bottom 10 States for Women’s Equality
- Ohio
- Virginia
- New Jersey
- Wyoming
- Oklahoma
- Louisiana
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Texas
- Utah
Lower-ranked states typically exhibit wider pay gaps, fewer women in elected office, and slower progress on policies that support women’s economic security.
Key Comparisons: The Best vs. The Worst
- Wages: Women earn less than men in every state. California has the smallest gap, with women earning about 10.1% less; Louisiana has the widest, at 26.3% less.
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Quick Stat: California currently posts the smallest gender pay gap in the U.S.
- Minimum-Wage Work: Women are overrepresented among minimum-wage earners in most states. Alaska, Hawaii, and North Dakota are balanced; Delaware and Georgia show the largest skews, with 70% more women than men earning minimum wage.
- Unemployment: West Virginia’s gap favors women (men are 2.2% more likely to be unemployed), while Kentucky’s favors men (women are 1.3% more likely to be unemployed). In Iowa, Maine, and Minnesota, rates are equal.
- Political Representation: Most legislatures remain male-dominated; Nevada stands out for female majority representation, while West Virginia sits at the opposite extreme.
A Closer Look at the Top States for Women’s Equality
Hawaii
Hawaii leads due to balanced workforce participation, minimal unemployment gaps, and equal representation in Congress. Educational achievement differences between girls and boys are small and narrow over time.
Nevada
Nevada’s strength lies in a narrower gap among high earners, near-parity in unemployment and economic security, and a historic female majority in its statehouse.
Maryland
Maryland posts one of the nation’s lowest pay gaps—women earn about 11.5% less than men—alongside comparable unemployment rates and advanced-degree attainment.
Why These Rankings Matter for Women in Business
Geography shapes access to capital, mentors, policy support, customers, and talent. Higher-ranked states tend to offer stronger wage protections, more visible pathways into leadership, and policy environments friendlier to women-owned firms.
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Pro Tip: If your state ranks low, expand your influence by joining national women’s business associations to access mentors, partners, and capital beyond your ZIP code.
Thriving in Lower-Ranked States: Strategies for Women Leaders
Living in a state that lags on women’s equality doesn’t cap your potential. These strategies help leaders grow—wherever they are:
- Scale Your Network Nationally: Join industry groups and women’s leadership communities to tap opportunities across borders.
- Go Remote-First: Target roles, clients, or contracts with companies headquartered in more equitable regions while staying rooted locally.
- Leverage Federal Programs: Explore SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification and federal contracting to open new revenue streams.
- Invest in Leadership Development: Use online executive courses, coaching, and credentials to compete in male-dominated markets.
- Shape Your Local Ecosystem: Mentor rising leaders, engage chambers of commerce, and lend your voice to policy conversations.
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Pro Tip: Organizations like Ellevate Network and NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners) can accelerate your access to peers, sponsors, and procurement opportunities.
Moving Forward
No state has fully closed the gender gap—yet. But women founders and executives are creating momentum through results, advocacy, and collective action. The right mix of policy change and personal strategy can shorten the distance to parity.
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Did you know? Women-owned businesses generate more than $1.8 trillion in annual revenue nationwide—evidence of scale and impact despite persistent inequities.
