North Rhine-Westphalia has renewed its push for statutory maternity protection for self-employed women. According to the State Ministry of Economics, approximately 27,000 self-employed women in Germany give birth every year without the legal protection afforded to traditional employees. Currently, statutory maternity leave does not apply to this group.
Minister Mona Neubaur (The Greens) asserted that pregnancy should not constitute a professional risk. She noted that the state has made significant progress-developing a federal council initiative, commissioning a feasibility study, and building a broad alliance involving politicians, the business community, and civil society. Neubaur stated that the ball is now in Berlin’s court, and North Rhine-Westphalia will continue to push for real equality for all.
In response to this issue, the West German Crafts Chamber Day (WHKT) has put forward specific proposals based on a feasibility study funded by the state. The core of these proposals involves a one-time, lump-sum wage replacement benefit during the maternity protection period. The study’s findings are scheduled for presentation in July. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economic Affairs recently hosted an event in Berlin, gathering key representatives from all sectors-politics, business, and civil society-to brainstorm potential implementation pathways.