Saxony takes over chairmanship of the Conference for Gender Equality

Saxony will be at the heart of gender equality policy in Germany for a year. At the turn of the year, the Free State will take over the chairmanship of the Conference of Gender Equality and Women's Affairs Ministers (GFMK) from North Rhine-Westphalia. "Equality is a question of respect, opportunities and social justice," explained Saxony's Minister of Social Affairs Petra Köpping, who will then chair the conference.

"In 2026, we will continue to face major challenges on the road to a gender-equal society. I would like to focus on equality of resources," said Köpping, describing her aim. Under the guiding theme of "Equal participation through resource justice: understanding and effectively combating poverty among women", the aim is to dismantle structural barriers and create equal opportunities for all.

Women are particularly affected by poverty

Köpping pointed out that women are particularly affected by poverty - especially single parents, migrant women, women with disabilities and older women. During its chairmanship of the conference, Saxony therefore particularly wants to work towards further improving women's access to income, education, health and social participation, she said.

The preliminary conference at the level of state secretaries will take place in Chemnitz from April 23 to 24. The main conference will take place on June 18 and 19 in the state capital Dresden.

Women are predominantly responsible for gender equality in the ministries of the German federal states. The exceptions are Manfred Lucha in Baden-Württemberg, Andreas Philippi in Lower Saxony and Magnus Jung in Saarland.