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

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

Mainz, Deutschland - On June 14, 2025, the delegates gathered for the 6th Ordinary District Women Conference of the DGB Rhineland-Palatinate / Saarland in the ZDF casino building in Mainz. Under the motto "added value - equality", the women's political focus for the next four years was determined, which underlines the importance of this event. The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) sets clear signs for the concerns of women in society.

Maria Leurs, the DGB district women's secretary, emphasized the need for a fair distribution of time, money and power in her opening address. Women are still facing numerous disadvantages in the world of work, which not only endangers 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

The DGB's demands are based on a clear guiding principle of union equality policy, the goal of which is the independent securing of existence of women. Overcoming gender inequality is one of the central concerns to improve working and living conditions in everyday life for all women. Here, a family -friendly policy is also sought that supports all people who take responsibility for each other. This includes both men and women who want to reconcile work and life.

The unequal wage situation

An important topic that was not neglected during the conference is the rewarding inequality between the sexes. According to the anti -discrimination agency, the “Gender Pay Gap” is around 16 percent in 2024. This unsatisfactory situation is largely due to social structures. Women often work in poorly paid professions and are clearly underrepresented in management positions. Discrimination, be it due to the refusal to climb or in the remuneration of women -dominated activities, still have their place in working life.

A special challenge remains the "unavailed" wage gap, which explains around three quarters of the wage gap between men and women. Up to six percent of the "gender pay gaps" cannot be explained in a structurally explanation and urgently require attention. Women often earn less than their male colleagues in a comparable position, professional experience and age - a development that is not only unjust, but also socially harmful.

greetings for the conference were kept by Katharina Binz, the minister of family, women, culture and integration, Bettina Altesleben, the State Secretary in the Saarland Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Women and Health, as well as Timo Ahr, the deputy DGB district chairman. This support at the political level is important to sustainably promote women's concerns in working life and to work on a fairer society.

The 6th ordinary district women's conference is a remarkable step in the right direction, but the path to complete equality remains challenging. The DGB will continue to fight for the voices of women to be heard and stand up for a society, in equality not only a motto, but a reality. You can find more information on this on the DGB-DGB Rhineland-Palatinate/Saarland, DGB Women's policy and Anti-Discrimination point.