Fight for Equal Wages Now!
The gender wage gap in Germany remains a pressing issue, with women facing significant disparities in pay and opportunities, particularly in part-time employment. The persisting gap is not just about pay rates but is deeply influenced by the unequal distribution of part-time work, driven by social norms, childcare and schooling inadequacies, and insufficient labor market reforms.
On March 9, 2024, the Equal Pay Day campaign will take place in Sterkrade-Middle, aiming to raise awareness of the existing wage and pension disparities between men and women. The campaign does not directly focus on full-time employment or the overall wage gap, but it sheds light on the specific gender pay gap that disproportionately affects women.
Nearly half of women in Germany work part-time, compared to only about 10% of men. This part-time status often results in lower wages and less career progression, perpetuating the wage gap. Structural and social barriers, such as gendered caregiving norms, insufficient full-day schooling, lack of affordable childcare, and costs associated with education, restrict many women, especially single mothers, to low-wage part-time jobs or "mini-jobs" (very low-paid marginal jobs).
These factors collectively perpetuate wage disparities and increase women's risk of old-age poverty. Women who frequently work part-time earn, on average, 17 percent less per hour than women working full-time, increasing their risk of poverty in old age. Women in mini-jobs or midi-jobs often have inadequate social security and pension coverage, exacerbating old-age poverty among females.
Ute Jordan-Ecker, the Chairwoman of the Oberhausen SPD Women's Association, will be leading the campaign. The event will take place from 10:30 to 12:00, highlighting the connection between time and money.
Despite many efforts, including from politics, the situation for women regarding the gender pay gap has only changed slightly in recent years. The Equal Pay Day campaign is not explicitly tied to the coalition agreement, but it is a topic that could be addressed within the context of broader gender equality initiatives.
The gender pay gap in Germany stands at 18 percent, according to the Federal Statistical Office. The campaign does not directly address the issue of men working part-time, but it highlights the high part-time quota among women and its impact on the gender pay gap.
In summary, the Equal Pay Day campaign is an essential step towards addressing the gender-specific wage gap in Germany. By raising awareness and sparking public debate, the campaign aims to advocate for better wages for women, which could potentially improve their working conditions in full-time positions and, in turn, their long-term financial security.
- The Equal Pay Day campaign, taking place on March 9, 2024, in Sterkrade-Middle, emphasizes the gender pay gap issue in Germany, particularly concerning women's health-and-wellness and workplace-wellness, as many women are compelled to work part-time due to structural and social barriers, leading to lower wages and an increased risk of old-age poverty.
- By highlighting the connection between time and money, the Equal Pay Day campaign in Germany underscores the significance of science in addressing the gender wage gap, with research and data demonstrating the disparities between men and women's pay, opportunities, and overall well-being in the workplace, including women's health.
