The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has reiterated its demand for mandatory maternity protection for self-employed women. According to the State Ministry of Economics, approximately 27,000 self-employed women in Germany give birth each year without receiving the protections afforded to traditional employees, as current laws do not cover them.
Minister Mona Neubauer (Greens) emphasized that pregnancy should not pose a professional risk. She stated that NRW has made significant progress-through a Federal Council initiative, a feasibility study, and building a broad alliance involving politics, industry, and civil society-and that now the federal government must take action. The state remains committed to advocating for genuine equality for all.
Concrete proposals were submitted by the West German Chamber of Crafts (WHKT), based on the feasibility study funded by the state. The core of their suggestion involves providing a one-time, lump-sum wage compensation benefit throughout the maternity protection period. The results of this study are expected to be presented in July.
In an effort to determine practical implementation strategies, the Ministry of Economics organized an event in Berlin, bringing together various stakeholders from the political, economic, and civil sectors to discuss ways forward.
