Denmark falling behind on gender equality

The struggle for gender equality has come to a grinding halt in Denmark, both in terms of equal pay, executive positions, and political representation, writes the Danish Institute for Human Rights in a press release.

The press release comes in the wake of new numbers from the Ministry of Employment. The numbers show that women still earn nearly twenty percent less than men, and that has been the situation for the past ten years.

We lack knowledge
- There is a lot of work to be done in this field. It is a prerequisite for attaining gender equality, including equal pay, that we gain insight into the structural and attitudinal barriers, says head of department and expert on equal rights and diversity at the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Susanne Nour.

- We have to make knowledge and research a priority, says Susanne Nour.

Equal pay and a place on the board
She refers to the fact that in the struggle for gender equality, Denmark is not on a par with our neighbouring countries.

Danish women are underrepresented both in terms of equal pay, executive positions, and political representation.

Minister for Gender Equality, Lykke Friis, agrees that the situation is serious. She has set a goal that all Danish businesses should have a diversity policy, including a policy on gender equality in management.

An important message
Susanne Nour is satisfied with the minister's statements.

- The minister is sending an important message to businesses and places of education that setting down diversity policies matters. This is something we have been working towards a long time here at the institute, says Susanne Nour.

Translated by Martin Lamberth