New Zealand is the fifth-most gender equal country in the world, according to the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index 2008.

New Zealand women have achieved education and health equality, but are still paid only 75 per cent of what their male counterparts receive.

Across the world, the gap between men and women has closed by over 97 per cent in health outcomes, 95 per cent in educational attainment, 62 per cent in economic participation and 16 per cent in political empowerment.

The top four countries in the index were all European: Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland.

For further information visit the World Economic Forum website.