Gender—what is it?
The term “gender” comes from English. Unlike the mere biological determination of sex at birth, the term encompasses the societal role expectations placed on women and men (see the definition by the World Health Organization (WHO)). These role expectations are expressed, for example, in the distinction between typical female and male occupations.
The term “gender” has become established in German-speaking countries because it allows for the questioning of gender stereotypes. Differences between the sexes are not natural but rather socially constructed and therefore subject to change (see Gender Competence Center).
The term “gender” also includes the representation of transgender and intersex individuals (see the definition provided by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency). It thus facilitates debates on the participation and rights of people who are not treated equally due to their gender identity or sexual orientation (see the “Gender” section of the Federal Agency for Civic Education).
Laws and Policy Strategies for Implementing Gender Equality
Equality based on gender is enshrined in law: The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) has been in effect in Germany since 2006; it prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of, among other things, gender and sexual orientation. The AGG serves as the foundation for greater gender equality in business and society.
Gender mainstreaming is the most comprehensive policy strategy for achieving gender equality. Gender mainstreaming means that leaders in politics and business commit to taking into account the different impacts on women and men in all decisions and measures they make and to acting in a gender-sensitive manner (see Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ)).
The European Union (EU) has declared gender mainstreaming to be binding for all EU member states (see Federal Agency for Civic Education).
Comprehensive information on initiatives, implementation projects, and funding programs within the framework of the Federal Government’s gender mainstreaming strategy is available on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ).
Gender mainstreaming is aimed not only at political leaders and administrative officials at the EU and federal levels, but also at companies and employers. The website of the Diversity Charter Association offers suggestions for implementation.
Women with a Migration Background—Multiple Challenges in the Labor Market
Immigrant women must find their way in a new country, overcome language barriers, and also find an apprenticeship or job that may require different qualifications than the profession they practiced in their home country. Added to this are family obligations that can conflict with their careers. In Germany, too, traditional notions about which professions women should pursue and which family responsibilities they should assume are widespread. This makes it more difficult for immigrant women to gain access to certain fields of work, even if they do not hold these traditional views themselves.
Difficulties in Learning the Language
The OECD study “Triple Disadvantage? An Initial Overview of the Integration of Female Refugees” (2018) highlights the multiple disadvantages faced by female refugees particularly clearly.
According to the study, the proportion of refugees with limited language skills in the host country is higher among women than among men. The study identifies the cause of this as the fact that refugee women without recognized refugee status who come to Germany through family reunification are often provided with fewer integration services. Their access to language acquisition should therefore be facilitated through appropriate support programs.
Role Expectations from Countries of Origin
Another challenge is the role expectations for women that immigrants bring with them from their countries of origin. The study mentioned above finds that refugee women from traditionally patriarchal countries bear a particularly heavy responsibility for organizing family life and caring for family members. As is the case with German women who have children, this raises questions about balancing family and career, as the study “Labor Market Integration of Highly Qualified Migrant Women—Career Paths in Science and Technology” illustrates.
Often Underestimated
The study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Education, “Labor Market Integration of Highly Qualified Migrant Women—Career Paths in Science and Technology,” highlights, among other things, how the qualifications of immigrant women are often underestimated.
The article “Women—Migration. Refugee Status. Labor Market Integration” in the trade journal “IQ konkret” provides information on the unique situation of refugee women, as well as the potential and skills they bring with them. It makes it clear that immigrant women do not form a homogeneous group.
The January 2012 issue of the trade journal “clavis,” dedicated to the topic “Women and Integration in Germany,” offers insights into success stories, initiatives, and ideas that support immigrant women in the labor market. Among other topics, it addresses the opportunities presented by recruiting immigrant women in light of the shortage of skilled workers, as well as career access and empowerment for women who wear headscarves.