Gender – what is that?
In English, the term contrasts with the term sex. By contrast with the mere determination of sex at birth , the term encompasses the social role expectations for women and men (cf. definition of the World Health Organisation (WHO)). These role expectations are expressed, for instance, in the distinction between typical female and male professions.
The term gender has become established in the German-speaking world because it can be used to question gender stereotypes. Differences between the sexes are not natural, but man-made and thus changeable (cf. Gender Competence Centre).
The term gender also includes the representation of transsexual and intersexual persons (cf. definition according to the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency). It thus facilitates debates on participation and rights of persons who are not equal on the basis of their gender or sexual orientation (cf. topic area of "Gender" of the Federal Agency for Civic Education).
Laws and political strategies to implement gender equality
Gender equality is enshrined in law: Since 2006, the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG), has applied in Germany which prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of gender and sexual orientation, among other things. The AGG forms the basis for more gender equality in business and society.
Gender mainstreaming is the most comprehensive political strategy in order to implement gender equality. Gender mainstreaming means that political and business leaders commit themselves to observe the different effects on women and men in all decisions and measures they take and to act in a gender-sensitive manner (cf. 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 (cf. Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (The Federal Agency for Civic Education)).
Comprehensive information on actions, implementation projects and funding programmes within the framework of the Federal Government's gender mainstreaming strategy is provided by the Internet portal of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ).
Gender mainstreaming is not only aimed at political leaders and the administrative level of the EU and the federal government, but also at companies and employers. Suggestions for its implementation can be found on the Website of the Diversity Charter Association .
Migrant women – facing multiple challenges in the labour market
Migrant women have to navigate life a new country, overcome language barriers and also find a training or work position that may require different qualifications than their standard occupation in their home country. Family obligations also arise, which can conflict with the job. In Germany, too, traditional ideas are widespread about what professions women should take up and what tasks they should assume in the family. This makes it more difficult for immigrant women to access certain fields of work, even if they do not bring traditional ideas with them.
More difficult access to language learning
The OECD study "Triply Disadvantaged? A first overview of the integration of female refugees" (2018) presents the multiple disadvantages faced by refugee women particularly clearly.
According to the study, the proportion of refugees who have little knowledge of the host country's language is higher among women than among men. The study states that one cause of this is the fact that refugee women without recognised refugee status who come to Germany in the context of family reunification are often provided with fewer integration offers. Their access to language learning should therefore be facilitated by means of appropriate support programmes.
Role expectations from the countries of origin
Another challenge is the role expectations of women that immigrants bring with them from their countries of origin. Thus the above-mentioned study finds that refugee women from traditional patriarchal countries are particularly responsible for organising family life and caring for family members. As is the case with Germans with children, questions of work-life balance arise –here, as highlighted by the study "Labour Market Integration of Highly Qualified Migrant Women Career Paths in Science and Technology".
Frequently underestimated
The study commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Education "Labour Market Integration of Highly Qualified Migrant Women – Career Paths in Science and Technology" reveals, among other things, how the qualifications of immigrant women are often underestimated.
The article "Women – Migration. Flight. Employment market integration." in the specialist journal “IQ konkret” informs about the special situation and the areas of potential and competences that refugee women bring with them. It clearly demonstrates that immigrant women are not a homogeneous group.
Insights into success stories, initiatives and ideas that support immigrant women in the labour market are provided in the 1/2012 issue of the specialist magazine "clavis" on the topic of "Women and Integration in Germany". Among other things, it is dedicated to the opportunities offered by the recruitment of immigrant women in view of the shortage of skilled workers, as well as the career access and empowerment of women with headscarves.