Gretchen questions - feminist perspectives for the future
Equal Opportunities Officer Pia Hamann reports on the 27th Federal Conference of Municipal Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers in Germany in Leipzig
The Equal Opportunities Officer of the City of Chemnitz, Pia Hamann, took part in the 27th Federal Conference of Municipal Women's and Equal Opportunities Officers in Germany in Leipzig from 14 to 16 May 2023. For two days, the participants asked themselves "Gretchen questions" about equality and looked at feminist perspectives for the future. Gretchen questions are questions of conscience that are perceived as uncomfortable and demand a position on core issues.
#Gretchenfrage Domestic violence: In Germany, society pays 3.8 billion euros a year for the consequences of domestic violence. Every third day, a woman is murdered by her (ex-)partner. The suffering caused by domestic violence to women and children cannot be quantified. Germany has signed the Istanbul Convention, but implementation is slow. Although an action plan is being drawn up in the federal state of Saxony, this project is still in its infancy and women's shelters need reliable and sustainable funding.
#Gretchenfrage Political participation: Around a third of members of the Bundestag are female, while the proportion of female mayors is only 11.7 per cent. Only through parity can the interests of women really be recognised. The proportion of women in local politics is also far too low. "I would like to see more women on secure list positions," says Pia Hamann. For next year's elections, the Chemnitz women's initiatives will once again be planning campaigns to encourage women to exercise their right to vote or even to stand for election themselves.
#Gretchenfrage Gesundheit: More and more maternity wards in hospitals are being closed, pregnant women have to travel long distances, especially in rural areas, and are turned away when delivery rooms are full. Pregnant women need care close to home. Abortion can still be punished with a prison sentence according to §218 and fewer and fewer doctors are able to perform abortions. Abortion methods must be taught in medical school.
#Gretchen question single parents: Single parents are five times more likely to be affected by poverty than two-parent families. 88 per cent of single parents are women. Tax relief and secure childcare could improve the financial situation of single parents.
Politicians must provide answers to these and other crucial questions. The participants at the national conference passed corresponding motions to the federal government.