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The gender pay gap in Denmark is widening

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Although the gender pay gap in Denmark saw a slight increase over the past year, the arrow is still pointing upwards, meaning things are going in the wrong direction, as data revealed that the largest disparity appears in some Danish regions.

Men in Denmark are still the highest paid group in the Danish labor market compared to women, according to the latest figures from Statistics Denmark, as reported by TV2.

Ann-Louise Lindqvist, head of client consulting at Sampension, told the source that the average gender pay gap in 2023 was 12.4%, which is 0.2 percentage points higher than in 2022, when the gap was 12.2%.

The largest gap was recorded in regions where women earned an average monthly salary of 46,313 Danish kroner, while men earned 55,177 Danish kroner in 2023, reflecting a difference of 16%.

Part of this disparity may be attributed to the different nature of the work performed by men and women in these sectors, according to a report by Statistics Denmark, the source said.

Overall, the wage gap has been gradually decreasing since 2004, shrinking by approximately 25% during that period.

Anne-Louise Lindqvist believes there are several reasons that could explain the sudden widening of the wage gap, including the fact that workers in Denmark received the highest wage increases in many years during 2023.

She noted that “efforts to close the gap are progressing very slowly,” and added that the large differences between what men and women earn in Denmark remain a concern, reflecting the gender pay gap that continues to affect women more.

Lindqvist adds that this gap could have significant implications in later stages of life, as women generally live longer than men, and at the same time, their retirement savings are lower.

Despite the challenges, the situation does not appear entirely bleak, as Lindqvist points out that the increasing educational advantage of women compared to men, along with changes in maternity laws that have strengthened the role of fatherhood, may contribute over time to narrowing the economic gender gap. However, she warns that this change will not happen quickly, noting that the process requires time.

Asma Abbas

A Danish Arab media professional with a master's degree in media, a journalist and presenter on Arab satellite channels, a registered member of the official Danish Media Council, an international trainer, an architect, and an international peace ambassador in an organization registered with the United Nations.
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