According to Bärbel Bas: 3 things that go wrong in the way we treat women in our country

Bärbel Bas emphasized that she was the only woman on the male-dominated coalition committee, which meant that women were visibly underrepresented – both in politics and business. She emphasized the importance of female role models – so that younger people could also see that "women can handle these positions."

In her candidacy speech for the SPD chairmanship, Bärbel Bas stated: "It cannot be that we women avoid responsibility. It's about visibility, about respect, and yes, it's also about power." Therefore, it's high time for a female SPD candidate for chancellor. "We've never had a female federal president," Bas said.

What needs to change? BRIGITTE demands: more binding quotas and targeted support programs for women at all levels, especially in leadership and decision-making roles.

2. Targeted attacks from the right

Bas described how women – especially in public personnel decisions – are "held back" and "personally attacked" by male networks and targeted campaigns, particularly from the right. The minister spoke of a "massive problem with democracy," evident, for example, in the failed election of constitutional judge Brosius-Gersdorf. This, she said, is naturally a deterrent. She has little desire to propose new candidates "who will ultimately be driven across the country in the same way. " AfD politician Beatrix Storch, for example, had described the candidate on "X" as a "left-wing radical activist" who advocates abortion up to the ninth month.

What needs to change? A zero-tolerance policy against sexism, support and protection for female candidates, and civil society engagement against misogynistic hate speech. Furthermore, transparent decision-making processes, consistent gender equality regulations, and structural protections so that women can run for top positions without fear of defamation. Right-wing populist networks in Germany cannot be allowed to have the power to influence decisions in the Bundestag through targeted campaigns.

3. Women have too little money

Bas also pointed to the pension gap: women, on average, receive significantly lower pensions than men because they more often work part-time, are paid less, or work in the care sector. Poverty in old age is a particularly high risk for women.

What needs to change? Reforms for equal pay, better recognition of childcare and caregiving leave, and pension models that take women's realities into account.

sbr Brigitte

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