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CBS: Women’s Economic Independence in Netherlands Stalls at 70% in 2024

The statistics office points to the 2023 minimum‑wage jump lifting the bijstand threshold, limiting further gains.

Overview

  • CBS reports that 83% of men were economically independent in 2024, a level that has stayed above 80% since 2018.
  • Economic independence is defined as net income from work at or above the social‑assistance level, which was €1,295 per month in 2024.
  • Among those not economically independent, 30% of women work but earn below the threshold compared with 26% of men.
  • Municipal gaps persist, with Urk showing the widest divide at 89% of men versus 60% of women.
  • The highest female rates are in Zoeterwoude at 79.3% and Bunnik at 79.1%, while large cities generally show smaller gender differences such as Groningen at 77% of men and 72% of women.