North Rhine-Westphalia fights for maternity rights of self-employed women

North Rhine-Westphalia is pushing for statutory maternity protection for self-employed women. The state government has renewed its call, backed by a feasibility study and a broad political alliance. Around 27,000 self-employed women in Germany currently give birth each year without the same safeguards as employees. The West German Chamber of Skilled Crafts (WHKT) has put forward detailed proposals for maternity protection. Their plan includes a one-time, flat-rate wage replacement benefit during the maternity leave period. The findings of the feasibility study will be officially presented in July.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs recently hosted a discussion event in Berlin to explore how such protections could be implemented. Minister Mona Neubaur of the Green Party stressed that pregnancy should never be treated as an occupational risk. North Rhine-Westphalia has already taken the lead by launching a federal council initiative and forming a wide-ranging alliance to support the reforms. The proposed changes aim to close a gap in Germany’s social security system. If adopted, they would provide financial and legal security for thousands of self-employed women during pregnancy and after childbirth. The state’s feasibility study results, due next month, will shape the next steps in the process.