Bremen's Gender Equality in Care Work Under Scrutiny on Equal Care Day
Bremen's gender equality in care work is under the spotlight. On Equal Care Day, it's revealed that women here work more part-time due to care responsibilities, leading to lower pensions. Men's participation in parental leave is also the second lowest in Germany.
In Bremen, women spend an average of nine more hours per week on unpaid work than men. This disparity is highlighted on Equal Care Day, February 29. State Women's Representative Bettina Wilhelm advocates for better recognition and valuation of household care work.
Part-time work, often due to care responsibilities, affects women's pensions. More women in Bremen work part-time, leading to lower pension contributions. Meanwhile, men's participation in parental leave is the second lowest in Germany, at 33.9%. Only Saarland, at 20.8%, has a lower rate.
Wilhelm calls for expanded care infrastructure, including daycare and nursery facilities, parental leave reforms, and flexible work models. These changes aim to achieve gender equality in Bremen's work and care landscape.
