DENMARK: I HAVE NEVER TRIED THAT BEFORE, SO I THINK I SHOULD DEFINITELY BE ABLE TO DO THATH
“I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that”
Rosaluna Garavagna
Marlene Lindbjerg Jakobsen
Thanks to:
Rosaluna Garavagna
Former National 7’s Captain
Marlene Lindbjerg Jakobsen
Former National Team Player, Member of the Rugby Europe Board
- The history of the women’s movement in Denmark
- Testimonials
- Reading time: 4 minutes
DENMARK - Find out more
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy in Northern Europe, with a population of approximately 5.93 million in 2023 (approximately 49.6% women). As of February 2024, women held approximately 45.3% of parliamentary seats. The female labor force participation rate is approximately 59.8% (male ≈ 67.8%). The right to education and legal frameworks for gender equality are fully guaranteed (100% of SDG indicators implemented). Teenage pregnancies are rare, with a rate of approximately 1.1 per thousand women aged 15–19 in 2023.
(SOURCES: Statistics Denmark; data.unwomen.org; data.ipu.org; World Bank Gender Data; UNECE SDG Indicators).
HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY
1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country?
First international game in 2002, but the sport in Denmark goes back to late 80’s and start 90’s But the had some rough years, and then came back in late 90’s start 00’s.
2. What is the history of women’s rugby in your country?
A small group off passionate women’s stubbornly hold o to a dream of having they own tournament. Before that, they only had the opportunity to paly u-18 boys rugby og 2end division men’s rugby. A tounarment was startet in 2001 and have been running ever since.
Demark had a 15 a side team, witch later turned into a 7s team. 2024 a 15 development team was formed.
3. How many clubs are there, and how is women’s rugby structured in your country?
There are 8 teams. They play a national tournament, ad play 7’s rugby. They meet 8 times a year.
4. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for a woman in your country?
The amount of players are to low to have a real impact of society but rugby has a great impact on the women’s playing rugby.
5. In your opinion, what can rugby give to women in your country?
The chance to be a part of something bigger. A community whit passion and camaraderie that you don’t find other places. And even more a self confidence, a taste of leadership and responsibility that come with being a part of a team, that will follows a player for the rest of they lifes.
Watch the full interview with Rosaluna Gavagna: