The US lags at 22nd place behind developed and even a couple of developing countries in a study of inequality between men and women, mainly because it has few women in politics. This is in spite of the ascent of Nancy Pelosi who is set to become the first woman to head the US House of Representatives.

Sweden is the only country where men and women form equal numbers among all ministers and parliamentarians. Cherie Booth, a human rights barrister and wife of Tony Blair, UK prime minister, said there were more women in parliament in Iraq and Afghanistan – two countries not covered by the report – than in the UK.