Germany's equality ministers demand fairer maternity rights and gender-sensitive healthcare

The 36th Conference of Equality and Women’s Affairs Ministers (GFMK) ended in Dresden on Friday. Delegates addressed key issues, including maternity protections for self-employed women and gender-sensitive healthcare in medical research. Lower Saxony’s Equality Minister, Andreas Philippi, played a prominent role in the discussions. Lower Saxony successfully pushed for stronger maternity protections for self-employed women at the event. Unlike salaried employees, these women currently face full financial risk during maternity leave. Philippi urged the federal government to introduce a funding model or a solidarity-based system to ease their burden. The conference also called for measures ensuring better financial security for self-employed women before and after childbirth.

The meeting highlighted gaps in medical research, particularly in cardiovascular health. Philippi criticised the underrepresentation of women in studies, despite their distinct symptoms and medication responses. Delegates demanded systematic tracking of risk factors, tailored preventive screenings, and targeted training for healthcare professionals. The states welcomed a federal initiative to prioritise gender-sensitive research in this area. The conference concluded with clear demands for policy and research changes. These include improved financial support for self-employed mothers and better recognition of women’s health needs in cardiovascular care. The proposals aim to address long-standing inequalities in both economic and medical systems.