Equality in focus: DGB sets agenda for women's power in Mainz

Equality in focus: DGB sets agenda for women's power in Mainz

On June 14, 2025, the delegates gathered for the 6th Ordinary District Women's Conference of the DGB Rhineland-Palatinate / Saarland in the ZDF casino building in Mainz. The women's policy priorities for the next four years were set under the motto "Added Value - Equality", which underlines the importance of this event. The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) is sending clear signals about the concerns of women in society.

Maria Leurs, the DGB district women's secretary, emphasized in her opening speech the need for a fair distribution of time, money and power. Women continue to face numerous disadvantages in the world of work, which not only jeopardizes their professional development but also their financial security in old age. It is an important concern of the DGB to represent the interests of almost 120,000 female members and all women and to point out the existing inequalities.

High demands on equality

During the conference, Susanne Wingertszahn, chairwoman of the DGB Rhineland-Palatinate / Saarland, said that progress in equal rights is urgently needed. The delegates voted on numerous motions that included union demands for the future. These included, among other things, gender-equitable spatial and urban planning, increasing the number of places in women's shelters and balancing work and care. These issues are of central importance to sustainably improve the living and working conditions of women.

The demands of the DGB are based on a clear model of trade union equality policy, the aim of which is to secure the independent existence of women. Overcoming gender inequalities is one of the central concerns in order to improve everyday working and living conditions for all women. The aim is also to have a family-friendly policy that supports all people who take responsibility for each other. This includes both men and women who want to balance work and life.

The unequal wage situation

A significant issue that was not overlooked during the conference is gender pay inequality. According to the anti-discrimination agency, the “gender pay gap” will be around 16 percent in 2024. This unsatisfactory situation is largely due to social structures. Women often work in lower-paying jobs and are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. Discrimination, be it through the denial of promotions or in the remuneration of female-dominated jobs, still has its place in working life.

A particular challenge remains the “unadjusted” wage gap, which explains around three quarters of the wage gap between men and women. Up to six percent of the “gender pay gap” cannot be explained structurally and requires urgent attention. Women with comparable positions, professional experience and age often earn less than their male colleagues - a development that is not only unfair but also socially harmful.

Greetings to the conference were given by Katharina Binz, Minister for Family, Women, Culture and Integration, Bettina Altesleben, State Secretary in the Saarland Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Women and Health, and Timo Ahr, deputy DGB district chairman. This support at the political level is important in order to sustainably promote the concerns of women in working life and to work towards a fairer society.

The 6th Ordinary District Women's Conference is a remarkable step in the right direction, but the path to full equality remains challenging. The DGB will continue to fight to ensure that women's voices are heard and to work for a society in which equality is not just a motto, but a reality. You can find more information about this on the DGB website - DGB Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, DGB Women's policy and Antidiscriminierungsstelle.