A Long Road to Equal Pay in Greenland
In Greenland, the journey toward equal pay for women remains a challenging one. The latest figures from Statistics Greenland lay bare a persistent disparity, with women earning less than their male counterparts across all municipalities, age groups, and education levels.
In 2024, the average income for men stood at DKK 327,000, while women earned considerably less at DKK 271,000—a stark 20.7 percent difference. It’s a trend that has been consistent year after year, indicating that despite the ongoing discussions surrounding wage equality, progress remains slow.
Disparities Between City and Village
The newly released data also unveils significant variations in income distribution across the country. Nationally, the average personal income saw a promising increase of 3.6 percent from 2023 to 2024. Yet, this overall growth masks a troubling divide between urban and rural areas.
In cities, individuals earned an average of DKK 311,000 before taxes, while those dwelling in rural settlements only brought in DKK 213,000. In Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, the gap is especially pronounced; personal income in the urban centers is reportedly double that found in the surrounding villages.
“This situation reflects the geographic distribution of the population within the municipality,” Statistics Greenland explains. “Most urban residents are concentrated in Nuuk, which boasts a higher income level, while rural populations, particularly in Tasiilaq, face considerably lower earnings.”
In 2024, the average income in Nuuk reached DKK 373,000, a whopping 41 percent more than Tasiilaq’s figure of DKK 218,000.
Statistics Greenland further elaborates that the income disparity between urban and rural areas can partly be attributed to higher education levels in cities. “Individuals with advanced degrees tend to command significantly higher salaries compared to those with less education,” they note, bringing to light one of the critical factors affecting income differences across the nation.
As these statistics illustrate, the road to financial equality in Greenland is replete with obstacles that demand ongoing attention and action.