Participation of Women

Perception of Women’s Participation in Church Life

Female Religious Affiliation

Percentages of Christian men and women ages 20+ across 192 countries

Religious Importance Gender Gap

Percentage-points higher that women say religion is very important compared to men

Gender Dynamics

Globally, when polled, more women than men say that Christianity is ‘very important’ to them. This is seen most predominantly in the Americas, Asia, and parts of Africa. In some cases, the difference gap ranges from 15-20 percent.

Most church leaders are male, although many perceive that both women and men have equal chances at holding such positions. Typically, men hold pastoral positions, while women serve as Sunday School Teachers or Administrative Assistants.

Religious Importance By Gender

Christians who say religion is “very important”