Employment rates for males and females across six countries 1995-2005

The bar chart illustrates changes in employment rates for males and females across six nations between 1995 and 2005. Overall, it is evident that employment figures rose for both genders in every country surveyed, with men consistently recording higher participation rates than women throughout the period.

In 1995, male employment was highest in Iceland at 71%, followed by Switzerland at 66%. By 2005, Iceland remained the leader for male employment, reaching a peak of 83%, while Switzerland also saw a significant rise to 78%. Australia and the UK experienced notable growth in male employment, increasing from 57% and 55% respectively in 1995 to 69% and 73% a decade later. New Zealand and the USA showed similar trends, with male employment rates climbing to 72% and 71% by 2005.

Regarding female employment, Switzerland recorded the highest rate in 1995 at 56%, whereas New Zealand had the lowest at 25%. By 2005, Switzerland continued to lead with 68%, followed by the UK at 63% and the USA at 61%. Australia and New Zealand saw the most dramatic relative growth for women, with rates rising from 27% to 39% and 25% to 42% respectively, although they remained the lowest overall.