Japan¡¯s attempts to create ¡°a society in which women shine¡± are falling short, according to the World Economic Forum¡¯s annual gender equality ranking.

The nation placed 121st out of the 153 countries in the rankings released Tuesday ¡ª a record low ¡ª performing by far the worst among the Group of Seven major economies.

Japan¡¯s worsening gender equality as detailed by the Swiss-based organization¡¯s report is sure to be a source of embarrassment for the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has long proclaimed to be pushing for an increased female presence in leadership positions.