Denmark worst Nordic nation in terms of gender equality

Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden … and Rwanda rank ahead of the Danes

When it comes to gender equality, Denmark struggles compared to its Nordic neighbours, according to the World Economic Forum.

The 2015 Global Gender Gap Report (here in English) ranked Denmark 14th in the world, well behind its Nordic neighbours Iceland, Norway, Finland and Sweden, who topped the list in that order.

The report gauges gender equality by evaluating parameters such as wage differences, health, education levels and political influence.

In particular, Denmark struggled on the last parameter, ranking 29th in terms of the share of female and male ministers and members of Parliament. Just 37 percent of Parliament’s members are women, and only five out of the 17 ministers are female.

READ MORE: Gender gap at University of Copenhagen

Earning less
Women in Denmark also endure a considerable wage difference compared to their male colleagues. The report revealed that Danish men earn on average 125,000 kroner more annually.

After the four Nordic countries, Ireland, Rwanda, Philippines, Switzerland, Slovenia and New Zealand rounded up the top 10. Other notables included Germany (11), France (15), South Africa (17), the UK (18), the US (28), Canada (30), Australia (36), Russia (75), China (91) and India (108).

The report showed that gender equality will be completely equal in 2133, if the current tempo of gender equality development is maintained.

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