THE World Economic Forum has ranked Cambodia 93rd out of 130 countries on its annual Gender Gap Index, which measures the economic, legal and social indicators that divide men and women.

The survey shows a small improvement from 2007, when the country slipped to 98th place, but demonstrates that participation in political and economic matters is still a largely male affair.

Cambodia scored highest in economic participation and opportunity, with relatively equal numbers of men (82 percent) and women (78 percent) active in the labour force.

However, the involvement of women in work was not matched by their presence in senior management positions, just 14 percent of which are held by women.

Men are also ahead in literacy (86 percent to 68 percent) and tertiary education (six percent to three percent).

However, relatively equal numbers of men and women enroll in primary education (91  percent to 89 percent) and high school (33 percent to 28 percent).

Cambodia was rated third-lowest for gender equality in Southeast Asia, beating out Malaysia and Brunei. Norway was rated first for its efforts to close the gender gap.