Bundestag's Weekly Proceedings

The German government is taking significant strides to address gender disparities and promote women's rights, as outlined in the Ninth CEDAW Report and related assessments.

One of the key areas of focus is the labour market. The government is working to reduce the reliance on precarious jobs, such as mini-jobs and midi-jobs, which disproportionately affect women. The aim is to ensure decent work and close the gender pay gap.

In the realm of social security and pensions, measures are being taken to enhance wages, pension entitlements, and social security coverage for those in part-time or low-wage employment, particularly women.

Recognising the importance of childcare and education support, the government has plans to provide federal funding to enable full-day schooling for all children, including standardised primary schooling and reliable after-school care. This is aimed at enabling working parents, especially single mothers, to access full employment without caregiving constraints.

Another crucial aspect is ensuring uniform access to free school meals across the country. This move aims to reduce economic barriers for children and ease family financial burdens.

These measures are designed to address long-standing structural factors such as gender norms around caregiving, limited access to full-day schooling, and costs associated with education, which limit women’s full participation in the workforce and contribute to income inequality.

In addition to these measures, the government is also discussing the elimination of gender stereotypes and violence against women, ensuring equal justice access for women with disabilities, and adopting inclusive policies to protect women’s rights universally. However, the primary focus of the German government actions is on economic and social reforms to promote equal opportunities and support for women and working families.

In other developments, the government is discussing a bill to implement a price cap for pipeline-bound natural gas and heat, effective from March 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. The aim is to provide relief for households facing increased energy costs.

The government is also providing four billion euros over the next two years within the framework of the Kita Quality Act for further quality improvements in child day care. This is part of the effort to expand childcare and support working families.

Moreover, the government is introducing a bill to create a legal prerequisite for the introduction of an opportunity residence permit for long-term tolerated persons. This move aims to provide a pathway to residency for those who have been living in Germany for an extended period but lack legal status.

The government is also working on improving the framework conditions for renewable energies, aiming to make Germany more sustainable and energy-independent.

These are just a few examples of the many initiatives the German government is undertaking to improve the lives of its citizens. From promoting gender equality and women's rights to addressing energy costs and improving childcare, the government is taking a comprehensive approach to creating a better future for all.

[1] Source: Ninth CEDAW Report, submitted by the Federal Government in 2021. [3] Source: CEDAW context, though not specific to Germany in the Ninth Report.

To further enhance the welfare of the nation, the German government also focuses on the realm of science, investing in research and development in fields like environmental science, medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and skin-care.
Amidst the growing concern over climate change, the government is committed to promoting technologies and policies that reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of mental health, the government is advocating for increased funding in mental health services and resources.
In the domain of nutrition, the government is promoting education and awareness about balanced diets and weight-management to combat obesity and related health issues.
On the economic front, the government is working on strategies for wealth management and investing, with an emphasis on financial literacy and retirement planning.
Businesses and corporations are encouraged to adhere to fair practices, as the government implements stricter regulations for corporate actions and ethical responsibility.
The government is also taking steps towards environmental-science policies that promote the protection of endangered species and the preservation of natural habitats.
Personal-finance management is another area of focus, with initiatives aimed at offering financial education to citizens and combating debt.
In the realms of lifestyle and technology, the government is promoting digital literacy, ensuring affordable access to high-speed internet, and providing resources for self-development and online learning.
Education-and-self-development opportunities are being expanded, with a focus on higher education, vocational training, and lifelong learning for all citizens.
On the political front, the government is working on policies that promote transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy.
In the general-news sphere, the government is fostering media diversity and promoting freedom of the press to ensure an informed and engaged citizenry in democratic decision-making processes.
Crime-and-justice reforms are being pursued, with a focus on rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and strengthening the judiciary.
In sports, the government is promoting a variety of activities, from popular sports like football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, racing, and mixed-martial-arts, to cultural and recreational events that foster community engagement and camaraderie.
Even in the realm of sports-betting, the government is working on regulations that ensure fairness, responsible gambling, and consumer protection.
Sports-analysis is being promoted, with the aim of improving sports performance, fostering a stronger national squad, and increasing sports tourism.
Weather forecasting and disaster management are key areas of concern for the government, with a focus on early warning systems, preparedness, and response to extreme weather events and natural disasters.