Born: 1941 (Frederiksberg, Copenhagen)
Biography:
Inge Biehl Henningsen, born on 14 April 1941 in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, is a Danish statistician, academic, and writer. Throughout her career, Henningsen has made significant contributions to the field of statistics, while also being actively involved in politics and women’s rights.
After graduating from Holte Gymnasium in 1959, Henningsen pursued her passion for statistics at Copenhagen University, where she obtained her degree in 1966. She joined the university’s Institut for Matematisk Statistik as a researcher and lecturer, later becoming an associate professor in 1974. Her dedication to the field is evident through her decades-long tenure at the university, which lasted until her retirement in 2007.
Henningsen’s interest in politics emerged during her time as an undergraduate, leading her to join the socialist Studentersamfundet. She went on to become actively involved in the Left Socialists party (Venstresocialisterne), serving as a member of the board and editor of the party’s journal Politisk Revy. Her engagement with politics also extended to the broader context of women’s rights.
In the 1980s, Henningsen took on the role of editor for the socialist journal Naturkampen. Through this platform, she covered a wide range of topics, including the management of cancer research and the European Union’s approach to agriculture in the third world. Her contributions to Naturkampen provided critical insights and perspectives on key issues of the time.
Beyond her academic and political endeavors, Henningsen has been a remarkable communicator. She has actively sought to bridge the gap between statistical information and the general public, aiming to address the misuse of statistics and promote a better understanding of data. Her work in this area has been particularly influential in the educational sphere, where she has shed light on the disparities faced by girls in terms of opportunities in the applied sciences.
Collaborating with researchers in sociology, politics, and psychology, Henningsen has played a vital role in highlighting the unequal treatment of women in higher education and research. In 1998, she became a member of the Gender Equality Research Foundation under the Ministry of Research, further solidifying her commitment to promoting equality.
In recent years, Henningsen has focused on analyzing statistical data to explore the challenges faced by both girls and boys in the Danish educational environment. Her research has shed light on the disadvantages experienced by girls, but she has also emphasized the plight of boys who are considered losers due to the lack of effective vocational programs and internships.
Inge Henningsen’s contributions as a statistician, academic, and advocate for women’s rights have been instrumental in shaping public understanding and promoting equality. Her dedication to statistical accuracy and her unwavering commitment to addressing societal challenges have made her an influential figure in Denmark’s academic and political landscape.