A recent report by the German Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth highlights the significant economic and social challenges faced by single parents in Germany. According to the report, single parents with minor children are three times more likely to face poverty than men and women in a partnership.
The report, presented by Minister Lisa Paus, reveals that in 2023, approximately 1.7 million single parents with minor children lived in households, accounting for every fifth family. The Ministry of Family Affairs and the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) have been investigating the situation of single parents and have identified key challenges and recommendations for policymakers.
The report notes that single mothers and fathers in Germany face a higher risk of poverty throughout their lives, with lower earnings, reduced pensions, and higher poverty rates compared to men and women in partnerships. The situation of single parents has a direct impact on the well-being of their children, who often experience health problems due to the stress and financial insecurity faced by their parents.
The report suggests several approaches to address the challenges faced by single parents, including promoting financial independence and shared parental responsibility throughout a person’s life, improving the ability of parents to agree on child care arrangements after a separation or divorce, and simplifying the process of applying for social benefits and financial assistance.
Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of providing a reliable and high-quality childcare system, as single parents often rely on it to maintain economic independence. The German government has committed to supporting the development of this system, allocating four billion euros over the next two years to ensure the quality of childcare and sufficient staff.
The report aims to raise awareness of the situation of single parents in Germany and provide policymakers with recommendations to address the specific challenges they face.