The graph below shows information on employment rates across 6 countries in 1995 and 2005.

The bar graph illustrates the proportion of employed males and females in six countries—Australia, Switzerland, Iceland, the UK, New Zealand, and the USA—for the years 1995 and 2005.

Overall, male employment consistently outpaced female employment across all nations in both years. Nevertheless, significant improvements were observed in workforce participation among women over the decade, with Switzerland and Iceland showing the most notable gains for both genders.

In 1995, the male employment rate surpassed 65% in Switzerland and Iceland, while the remaining countries recorded lower figures, ranging between 55% and 60%. By 2005, the proportion of employed men rose in all countries, exceeding 70% in Iceland and Switzerland, and approaching that level in the UK and USA.

Female employment levels were notably lower in 1995, with only Switzerland exceeding the 50% mark. Australia and New Zealand recorded the lowest figures, under 40%. However, by 2005, all countries saw a clear rise in female employment, reaching nearly 70% in Switzerland and over 50% in most others.

In summary, while men maintained higher employment rates, the gender gap narrowed considerably over the ten-year span.