Former Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt emphasizes the ongoing challenges of achieving gender equality in Denmark, highlighting the need for continued discussion and action.
The State of Gender Equality in Denmark
On March 8, which marks International Women’s Day, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Denmark’s first female Prime Minister, shared her concerns over the persistent gender inequality that continues to plague the nation. In an interview with TV 2, Thorning-Schmidt pointed out that while Denmark prides itself on many progressive values, it falls short when it comes to gender parity. According to the recent Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum, Denmark ranks 15th globally, while its Nordic neighbors occupy the top five positions.
The Conversation Must Continue
Thorning-Schmidt insists that complacency is a detrimental attitude that Denmark must avoid. “We must not get stopped and say, ‘Now we are finished, we don’t need to talk about it anymore,’” she remarked. She believes this mindset has been prevalent in Denmark for far too long, contributing to the stagnation of progress on gender issues.
Despite the advancements made over the past decade, such as women achieving higher education levels than men, disparities persist in the labor market, particularly in leadership roles. “Even though women are better educated today, they are still lagging behind when it comes to manager positions,” she said.
Perceptions of Equality
A recent survey from Trygfonden indicates that perceptions of gender equality may differ significantly between men and women. The study found that men tend to believe that gender equality has been achieved, while women frequently feel otherwise. Notably, the proportion of men who think gender equality has gone too far has increased from about 10% in 2015 to over 20% today.
“The conversation around gender equality is crucial. Because we are not fully equal. We do not have equal pay. We do not do the same work in the homes. Women do much more unpaid work. Women have fewer opportunities to sit on boards, become directors, and become all sorts of things,” Thorning-Schmidt stated.
The Danish Paradox
Thorning-Schmidt perceives Denmark’s failure to reach equality as a paradox, considering the nation’s remarkable welfare system and its broad potential for establishing a truly equal society. “We have all the conditions to become a much more gender-equal society,” she stressed. However, she emphasized that ongoing dialogue and action in workplaces are essential for improving women’s situations there.
As a significant figure in both Danish and international organizations, Thorning-Schmidt believes that efforts to improve women’s roles in the workforce cannot overlook domestic responsibilities. She pointed out that women still carry an average of one extra hour of unpaid work at home daily compared to their male counterparts. In her own life, she has experienced this imbalance, recalling how, regardless of her high-profile positions and partnership with a feminist husband, she has predominantly managed cooking and children’s activities.
Mikrofeminism: Small Actions for Big Change
In her tenure as Prime Minister and beyond, Thorning-Schmidt has been vocal about her efforts to promote gender equality. While she acknowledges that more could always be done, she believes that small actions can make a significant impact.
For example, during Q&A sessions, she makes it a point to allow women to ask the first question. “This marks a signal to other women in the audience that they also have the right to stand up and ask questions. That’s important,” she explained.
Additionally, she has consciously chosen to promote other women to key positions in the Folketing (the Danish parliament) and other influential roles, advocating for greater representation across society. It’s not about suppressing men, she affirmed “It’s about ensuring that we all have the opportunity to play a role in society.”
The Road Ahead
Thorning-Schmidt is proud of the influence she has had as the first female Prime Minister of Denmark, believing it has positively impacted how women and young girls view themselves and their potential in society. However, she stresses that this is just the beginning. “It will take many women to neutralize our perceptions about whether someone is a man or a woman in positions of power or visibility,” she stated.
While she acknowledges that Denmark is moving in the right direction regarding gender equality, she warns against becoming complacent. “If we declare that we have achieved gender equality, the entire conversation comes to a halt,” she cautioned, emphasizing that the dialogue must persist.
As she continues her advocacy for gender equality, Thorning-Schmidt encourages communities and individuals to engage in the conversation actively, reminding them that achieving true equality requires consistent effort and awareness.
Viewers can catch Helle Thorning-Schmidt discussing these pressing issues in her recent appearances on “En for hold” on TV 2 Play, airing Tuesdays at 8:50 PM.
