Appeals for Women's Day: equal rights and protection

Better equal than later! The old saying from the women's movement remains relevant. On International Women's Day on Saturday, politicians, parties and associations called for full equality between men and women in the world of work. According to the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) in Saxony, the issue must be given greater focus. All political projects should be checked to see whether they reduce disadvantages for women, explained DGB Vice President Daniela Kolbe.

Kolbe: Equality is neither a fuss nor a side issue

"Equality is neither a fuss nor a side issue, but must be given more attention in all policy areas," said DGB Vice President Daniela Kolbe. She was alluding to a quote by former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (SPD), who once flippantly referred to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth as "family and all that fuss". The Saxon state government and the exploratory parties in the federal government must now do what is necessary, emphasized Kolbe.

Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) made it clear that Saxony's economy and labor market rely on the skills and commitment of women. "Their skills, experience and perspectives are indispensable for innovation, growth and competitiveness in the Free State. Without the diverse skills and high level of employment of women, the Saxon economy would not have been able to develop so well in recent decades," emphasized Panter.

Many areas in Saxony could not function without women

Many women have an above-average school-leaving qualification, a completed apprenticeship or a university degree, Panter emphasized. "Their commitment, reliability and skills in planning and organization, in addition to their sound specialist knowledge, make them valuable employees. Women are disproportionately represented in many system-relevant sectors such as healthcare, nursing and education. Without them, these sectors would not be able to function."

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, a good three quarters (76%) of women between the ages of 15 and 64 were in gainful employment in 2022. This means that Saxony has been one of the top places in Germany for years. There is still a significant pay gap between men and women. Data from the State Statistical Office showed that women earned an average of seven percent less per hour than men in 2024. "This is unfair," explained Panter and called for a change.

Leftists call for more protection for women against violence

There have been speculations from the ranks of the left that CDU leader Friedrich Merz will not be a "Chancellor for women". It was not for nothing that over 37,000 women signed the "Women against Merz" appeal before the Bundestag elections. "It is unlikely that his government will do anything against discrimination against women or for their fair pay. Pressure from society is now more necessary than ever," they said. In addition to better pay, more protection for women against violence was also called for.

President of the state parliament Alexander Dierks, together with Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD), invited women to a celebratory event in the state parliament on Saturday. "Women's Day rightly draws attention to the aspects in which girls and women are still disadvantaged. Politicians bear responsibility for fair framework conditions, but respect for women must be lived by all of us every day - whether at home, in a club, in a company or in public," said Dierks.

"We don't need flowers for March 8, but more efforts for real equality," Green politician Katja Meier (Greens) made clear. Among other things, she referred to the lack of women in politics. "With just 27.5 percent of women in the Saxon state parliament, there is still a lot of catching up to do. More than half of the population in Saxony are women and girls - as politicians, it is our duty to make their diverse realities of life visible."