Unequal care work: The Gender Care GAP affects women strongly!

Unequal care work: The Gender Care GAP affects women strongly!

On March 8, 2025, international women's day will be celebrated worldwide. In Germany, women face major challenges, especially when it comes to reconciling family and work. As Ursula Pöhlig, the President of the Hessian Land Women's Association, states, equal rights in Germany are often only realized on paper. It emphasizes that the situation is particularly difficult after the birth of a child and emphasizes the insufficient infrastructure for the care of children and seniors, which makes it difficult to divide care work. Pöhlig warns that the economic consequences of this inequality are considerable because the potential of women is not used - a fact that could help combat the shortage of skilled workers.

A fairer distribution of the care work could not only improve the quality of life of many women, but would also bring economic advantages. The BMFSFJ Want to work, which means a difference of 79 minutes every day. Current numbers show that women spend almost 30 hours a week and men only about 21 hours with unpaid care work. This gender Care GAP has decreased since 2012/2013, but the existing amount of time for unpaid work remains a serious challenge for the economic independence of women.

challenges in the care work

The social expectations and structural framework often increase inequality in care work. Traditional gender roles often provide for women as primary care workers, while men are viewed as the main earner. These stereotypes start in childhood and shape life decisions in the long term. The institutional framework in Germany also often promotes these traditional divisions, for example through spouse splitting and non -contributory co -insurance, which reduces the pressure on women. Pöhlig therefore calls for an expansion of the support offers as well as a equal occupation of committees and the support in violent aid and birth aid.

The unequal distribution of care work has serious consequences for the economic independence and age protection of women. Many women often interrupt their professional activity for care and care and then often only part -time. Part -time jobs usually offer lower wages and fewer opportunities for ascent. This means that women -friendly and flexible working conditions are required to enable better compatibility of work and family.

a way to equality

The visibility and recognition of unpaid care work is another key to improving the situation. This work is often considered for granted and not adequately recognized, which further destabilizes the balance. In Hesse, where the Land Women's Association is the largest women's association, the voices of the women's organizations are strong, and the increase in consciousness around World Women's Day is crucial to point out existing inequalities.