The Observatory for Gender Equality's fourth report, which draws on surveys and statistical data, provides a fresh overview of the current state of gender equality in Luxembourg. The latest findings, presented to Members of Parliament on Monday, highlight both progress and persistent gaps in a range of areas, from domestic violence to pensions and care work.
Among the key statistics: last year, 58% of victims of domestic violence were women and 42% men. Police interventions related to domestic violence increased by 10% compared to the previous year. Regarding homicides and femicides, five cases were recorded in the past year, three male and two female victims.
The report also examines unpaid care work, tasks such as childcare and household responsibilities, which continue to be shared unevenly. However, two-thirds of both women and men believe that family wellbeing improves when mothers and fathers share parental leave. There has also been positive progress in how both partners balance domestic and paid work.
Members of the Family Affairs Committee, including Minister for Equality between Women and Men Yuriko Backes, welcomed the availability of concrete data, with Backes stressing that evidence-based policy is crucial for achieving real progress.
Nonetheless, she noted that some challenges, such as the gender pension gap – the difference between men's and women's pension incomes – remain significant in Luxembourg, exceeding the EU average. Backes emphasised that people who work part-time today, often women, will see lower pensions later, and that this issue must be addressed now, even if results will only be felt in the future.
Women in Luxembourg still disproportionately reduce their working hours to take care of children, which has long-term financial consequences. This is why Claire Delcourt, LSAP MP and Vice-President of the Family Affairs Committee, has expressed reservations about a recent proposal from Minister of Labour Marc Spautz.
The proposal would allow parents of children up to 13 years old to reduce their working hours by up to four hours per week, with employer approval. However, these four hours would be unpaid, raising concerns that women, who are more likely to take up such measures, will again face retirement penalties, receiving lower pensions as a result.
Dan Hardy, MP for the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), argued after the committee meeting that the state should compensate these four hours, both to avoid penalising parents later in life and to demonstrate a real commitment to family life. Asked for her position on the proposal, Minister Yuriko Backes declined to comment either in the committee or to RTL, stating that she wished to discuss the matter in person with Minister Spautz before making a public statement.
