A special report from The Economist asks why the wage gap has been so hard to close:
Back in the 1990s women in rich countries seemed to be heading towards a golden era. They were continuing to move into the workforce in ever-increasing numbers, more opportunities were opening up for them and the pay gap with men was getting smaller. Now there is a palpable sense of frustration. Catching up with men, particularly at the top, seems to be taking much longer than expected. At the same time women in some of the richer emerging markets seem to be pushing ahead. In China the numbers in senior positions are rising across the board, and in India women are getting top jobs in the crucial IT industry.
(Image: From a larger Economist chart on the female work force around the world)
The Dish 