Enlarge image
Olaf Scholz
Photo: HANNIBAL HANSCHKE / EPA
From the point of view of Olaf Scholz (SPD), there is still a lot to be done in Germany when it comes to equality.
Ahead of International Women's Day, the Chancellor has now announced more efforts to promote equality for women.
Even after progress in the past few decades, Germany is "not far enough" in terms of equality, said Scholz in his weekly video podcast "Kanzler compact" on Saturday.
He wants to continue on the path to equality "until it is visible at all levels that women make up half of society".
Scholz pointed out that there are still "too few women on supervisory boards and executive boards".
In addition, women are particularly affected by poverty in old age, and in the working world there are still "amazing and unacceptable differences in salaries between men and women".
The Chancellor positively emphasized the decision of the Federal Labor Court in mid-February, which strengthened women's right to equal pay.
»So a lot has changed and we are working on achieving equality.«
"I'm convinced that we all benefit - business, politics, culture and society - when women have the same say," emphasized Scholz.
»If we divide gainful employment and care work fairly and if women structurally earn the same as men.
This is my task.
And it is a common task for all of us, regardless of gender.«
Scholz denounces violence against women in Iran and Afghanistan
Scholz did not go into detail about the underrepresentation of women in politics.
He initially formed a federal cabinet with the same number of ministers.
With the resignation of Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht and the appointment of Boris Pistorius (both SPD) as his successor, there are now nine men and seven women in ministerial posts.
Scholz was "sad" about it at the end of January.
He announced that he would "make sure that things change at the next opportunity."
"There are many reasons why we have such a hard time with this in Germany, but also worldwide," Scholz continued in his video message on Saturday.
»Women are still judged according to other criteria.«
"In Iran and Afghanistan, women who stand up for their rights are hard fought," the Chancellor continued.
"All those who work for freedom and justice even risk their lives." This is "unforgivable".
Germany is “clearly on the side of those who stand up for human and women’s rights”.
asc/AFP
