New Government Official Takes Maternity Leave, Returns to Post in Autumn
Elisabeth Kaiser, the newly appointed Federal Government’s Commissioner for the East, has announced that she will take a temporary leave of absence for maternity reasons, with plans to resume her duties in the autumn.
In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, Kaiser emphasized that a baby is not a barrier to holding a high-ranking government position. Her husband will take on the parental leave and she aims to return to work immediately after the summer break, provided her and the child’s well-being permit it.
Kaiser also spoke about the balance between politics and family life, acknowledging the pressure of societal expectations on women. “It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what can be achieved as a working mother” she said, adding that “if one tries to fulfill every role that is assigned to a working mother, one will ultimately burn out.”
Kaiser drew a parallel between her own experiences and the changing attitudes towards working mothers in the East and West of Germany. In the East, it was common for women to return to work quickly after giving birth, she noted. However, many women, including her own mother, continued to take on caregiving responsibilities at home despite working full-time. Kaiser stressed that there is still a need for better childcare structures in the West.
Kaiser’s pregnancy did not play a role in her appointment as the new Commissioner for the East, she emphasized, seeing it as a positive sign of a modern society that values the balance between family and career.