Weekly updates from the German federal parliament, the Bundestag
In a series of recent reports and policy proposals, the German government has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality, particularly in the digital sector. The focus is on addressing structural inequalities that have long affected women's economic and social status, including in digital fields.
The Fourth Corona Tax Relief Act, for instance, proposes economic and social measures to support citizens and the economy in coping with the economic consequences of the pandemic. One such measure is the introduction of a care bonus for care workers, totalling one billion euros. This tax-free and social security contribution-exempt bonus will be distributed between care workers in hospitals (500 million euros) and employees in ambulatory and stationary long-term care (500 million euros).
Intensive care nurses and full-time employees working in direct care and support in care facilities can receive up to 550 euros. Trainees, volunteers, and temporary agency workers will also benefit from this bonus. Moreover, the higher distance allowance and mobility bonus specifically relieve long-distance commuters from rising mobility costs.
The underrepresentation of women in the digital sector is a concern that the government aims to address. Structural factors such as a lack of compatibility between family and work, insufficient social security, and gender stereotypes are identified as key issues. To counteract this, the government supports initiatives to improve women's access to education and training, including digital skills, as a foundation for their participation and professional advancement in digital economies.
The Federal Government's Gender Equality Report, focusing on support for women in digitalization, highlights key findings. The report emphasizes the importance of inclusive participation and reform to address structural inequalities that affect women's economic and social status, including in digital fields. Germany reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda and SDG 5 (gender equality) at the 2025 High-level Political Forum, underscoring progress made thanks to broad participation by civil society, academic sectors, youth, local governments, and businesses.
However, despite progress, structural barriers remain, such as a high reliance on part-time, low-wage work disproportionately affecting women, linked to gender norms and caregiving roles limiting access to full employment and thus undermining equal economic opportunity, including in digital jobs.
The third Gender Equality Report of the Federal Government, titled "Shaping Digitalization in a Gender-Fair Way", will be submitted to the Bundestag this week. The report covers discrimination-free algorithms, the platform economy, home office and care work, and gender-based digital violence in social networks. It also emphasizes the need for legal reforms to eliminate discrimination and establish equal rights under law, ensuring women’s full participation in digital and other sectors.
In addition to these efforts, the Federal Government aims to strengthen the independence of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency and advance the re-appointment of the leadership position by amending the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, established in 2006, offers legal advice for those affected by discrimination based on age, disability, gender, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual identity.
Meanwhile, the German Armed Forces have been involved in the EU mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI since February 2020, contributing to the implementation of the arms embargo against Libya imposed by the United Nations. The mandate of the German Armed Forces in this mission continues to include up to 300 soldiers and is to be extended at the request of the Federal Government until 30 April 2023.
The German government, together with the United Nations, launched the "Berlin Process" in 2019 to ensure peace and stability in Libya. However, Libya has been in a civil war for over ten years, dividing the country politically and economically.
In summary, the key findings and additional information from recent government reports reflect Germany's renewed and multifaceted commitment to gender equality, including in digital fields, through policy measures addressing education, labor market inequalities, and legal protections to empower women in the digital age and beyond.
- The German government is emphasizing the importance of education and self-development, particularly for women in digital fields, as a foundation for their participation and career development in digital economies.
- In the realm of personal growth, the government is supporting initiatives to improve women's access to education and training, which includes digital skills.
- The focus on career development extends to advocating for legal reforms to eliminate discrimination and establish equal rights under law, ensuring women’s full participation in digital and other sectors.
- In the sphere of policy and legislation, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality in the digital sector, addressing structural inequalities that have long affected women's economic and social status.
- The underrepresentation of women in the digital sector is being addressed by the government, acknowledging key issues such as a lack of compatibility between family and work, insufficient social security, and gender stereotypes.
- Despite progress, the government recognizes that structural barriers remain, such as a high reliance on part-time, low-wage work affecting women, linked to gender norms and caregiving roles.
- To counteract these issues, the government is submitting the third Gender Equality Report, titled "Shaping Digitalization in a Gender-Fair Way", covering aspects like discrimination-free algorithms, the platform economy, home office and care work, and gender-based digital violence in social networks.
