MANILA – The Philippines is a world leader in efforts to close the gap between men and women in terms of economic opportunity, politics, education and health, according to the World Economic Forum.

The Philippines ranked seventh in the world and led East Asia in the WEF’s 2016 Global Gender Gap report. Iceland topped the world rankings, followed by Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Rwanda.

The Philippines is also among only nine countries in the world that have completely closed the gap on health and education.

In terms of economic opportunity, however, the Philippines ranked 21st in the world, while it placed 17th in terms of political empowerment.

The WEF noted "huge differences" in opportunities for women in both the best and worst performing countries in its study.

"If current trends continue, a baby girl born today will only see the gender gap in health, education, economic opportunity and politics completely close around the world if she lives to 83," the WEF said.

The Philippines is among the first countries in the world to install a female president, Corazon Aquino in 1986, who rose to power after a military-backed popular revolt toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

In 2004, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was elected president for a full six-year term, after serving the remaining three years of her ousted predecessor, Joseph Estrada.

The incumbent Vice President is also a woman, Leni Robredo.