Gender Equality Ministers Call for Measures to Combat Poverty Among Women

The state ministers for gender equality are calling on the federal government to take action against poverty among women. “Poverty is one of the main reasons why people are unable to participate in social life,” said Saxony’s Minister for Gender Equality, Petra Köpping, following the conference of ministers for gender equality and women’s affairs in Dresden. “And conversely, those who cannot participate are also more likely to slip into poverty.” This cycle must be broken.

Promoting Independence

Women are more severely affected by poverty, particularly single parents, part-time workers, family caregivers, older women, and women with a migration background. Among the demands adopted by the conference in a key resolution is the promotion of economic independence, including through more reliable care structures and a better distribution of caregiving responsibilities within families. A proposal calls for an “independence check” designed to highlight risks of poverty.

Through reforms in tax and labor law, the goal is to strengthen partnership-based employment and work-time models, according to Köpping. Family caregivers need better protection—contrary to what is provided for in the current draft of the Care Act.

Focus on the Link to Violence

The link between economic dependence and gender-based violence should also receive greater attention. The ministers are therefore calling for integration with violence prevention efforts. National guidelines are to be established for protection against violence, and the states’ joint approach to providing assistance in cases of domestic violence is to be further developed. Counseling services are also to be expanded in the area of digital sexual violence.

In-depth Exchange with Federal Minister Prien

The state ministers for gender equality and women’s affairs met in Dresden on Thursday and Friday. Federal Minister Karin Prien (CDU) also attended the meeting. Saxony currently chairs the conference; Schleswig-Holstein will take over next year. According to Köpping, there was broad consensus among the state ministers. There was an intensive exchange with Prien.