For the past 11 years, the European Institute for Gender Equality has published annual reports on the progress or setbacks in gender equality across the European Union.
Even though convergence analysis shows that 15 Member States are now closer to the EU average, there is still room for improvement.
The EU Gender Equality Index is a composite measure designed to assess the complex concept of gender equality. Six main categories are examined – work, money, knowledge, time, power and health. With those in mind, convergence analysis shows that gender equality disparities have decreased within the EU in the last decade.
On the other hand, two Scandinavian countries, Sweden and Denmark, scored the highest. The result indicates they are a few steps closer to full gender equality than some other EU member states. With scores of 82 (SE) and 78,8 (DK) once again show that comprehensive and sustained policies, aimed at promoting gender equality, yield excellent results.
When it comes to examining data, it is always important to take the whole picture into account. An immensely important part, that reinforces gender equality, is equal pay. Let’s talk about it more.
Unfortunately countries such as Sweden and Denmark, regardless of being gender equality frontrunners, can’t be praised when it comes to equal pay. The EU average gender pay gap is 13% and therefore Sweden is still below the average with a score of 11.2%. Same as Croatia. But, on the other side, Denmark has a score of 13.9%. The mentioned scores confirm the need for policies and measures such as those that the Pay Transparency Directive brings.
Did you know that EU member states are required to transpose the Directive into national legislation by June 2026? Given the scope of the changes, it is essential to begin preparations promptly.
