This year, Women’s Day is overshadowed by a series of femicides. The current cases in particular show “that the motives and backgrounds are very different,” says Women’s Minister Susanne Raab. “The sad truth is that despite the vastly expanded violence protection system, not every single tragic case can be prevented.”
“If there is no information in advance, it is very difficult for the state to take preventive measures. It is important that we appeal to people’s moral courage and also encourage affected women themselves to contact an institution as soon as possible when they recognize the first signs of physical or psychological violence. “I will start a new information offensive in the coming weeks, with which we will once again refer to all offers of help,” the minister announced.
Regarding the recent incidents involving minors, Raab supports Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer’s proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility, but she also holds parents responsible. “If a girl is sexually abused and raped here for months, the question arises on the one hand where were the parents of the perpetrators, and on the other hand the question: what is the correct answer from the rule of law?”
“Our data shows that violence has different faces and different backgrounds. Addiction problems are often a problem, as are mental illnesses, but yes, there is also a disproportionate share of perpetrators with a migrant background. This is also evident from the scientific analysis of the murders of women over the past ten years. We cannot be blind in one eye, we have to be able to say that and talk about it openly.”
When it comes to equality, Raab believes that “much has been achieved in key areas, but obviously we have not yet reached the ceiling”. Raab mentions the 4.5 billion for the expansion of childcare, the introduction of violence clinics and measures to strengthen the role of fathers. “International Women’s Day also reminds us what equality looks like in different countries around the world and what we still need to work on.”
A recurring theme is the salary gap. Raab continues to push for automatic pension splitting, which is also enshrined in Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s Austrian plan. “We have already submitted a bill. I am simply convinced that it is a socio-political measure that has an impact far beyond the legislative period and that leads to more self-determination, especially for older women at an older age, because it also means that women receive more pensions. That’s what I want, that’s what I fight for.”
The minister is convinced that the shortage of skilled workers will lead to greater pay equality. “As a company, I have to position myself well, also when it comes to the promotion of women, when it comes to the compatibility of family and work, and that also includes things like transparency.”
When asked about stove bonus models such as those under the black-blue region in Salzburg, Raab is evasive and points to the responsibility of the states. Childcare is a state affair, but she wants 100 percent freedom of choice for women. “They have to decide for themselves how they organize their daily lives and whether they go to work earlier or later.”
Expert also sees positive developments in the salary debate
The pay gap between men and women is a central theme every year. On average, women earn much less than men. Austria is doing quite poorly here internationally. According to Eurostat, the difference was 18.4% in 2022, well above the EU average of 12.7 percent. Only Estonia is worse in the EU: 21.3%. When part-time work is taken into account, the difference between men and women in Austria is 35%. “But you have to be careful with the calculations. Because part-time in Austria constitutes a significant part. Namely 50% for women,” says Carmen Treml of Agenda Austria.
Huge losses due to maternity leave
Moreover, there is often no distinction between independent or dependent person. “We at Agenda compare dependent full-time employees. The difference is 12.4%. In 2004 this was 20.8%. That means: a lot has happened in the past twenty years. There is also a positive development.” But why is the gap still so wide? Treml mentions the central points. On the one hand there is the choice of profession; in Austria there are still classic jobs for men and women. The latter are usually paid quite low. Such as activities in the social sector. Furthermore: the often difficult parental leave and childcare. “96% of care is provided by women. They then go back to work part-time. This has an impact up to retirement age.” Moreover, women suffer 70-80% of the losses due to maternity leave, while men have no impact. Moreover, increasing part-time to full-time work is often not worthwhile, ‘because tax progression has such a strong impact on middle incomes.’ Full-time work must become more attractive and maternity leave must be better distributed. , Treml demands.
Austria with a high female labor force participation
The government recently released 4.5 billion euros for the expansion of childcare. “A right step. The question is how this will be implemented.” Childcare is very well positioned in Vienna, but not in the countryside.
By the way: Austria is generally doing very well when it comes to female labor participation. 70% is above the EU average. In Italy, only 51% of women have a job. The pay gap is only 4.3%. Carmen Treml: “The question arises as to which is better.” One thing is certain. There is still a lot of room for improvement in Austria.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
