"We need all heads and hands in Brandenburg's economy. But that also means consistent equal opportunities and the targeted promotion of women. This is more than just a general social issue, it is an economic success factor." This is what Ina Hänsel, President of the Potsdam Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Chairwoman of the State Working Group of the Brandenburg Chambers of Industry and Commerce, said on the occasion of International Women's Day.
The Chambers of Industry and Commerce are calling on companies to implement all measures to promote women. These include flexible working models, family-friendly structures and mentoring programs. At the same time, the IHK believes that politicians have a responsibility to remove structural obstacles and further strengthen the framework conditions for equal rights.
"We women make a significant contribution to the success and innovative strength of companies and stand for diversity - yet we are still underrepresented in management positions," criticized the IHK President. "But one of the strengths of our economy lies in its diversity. So if we get more women into management positions, not only will companies benefit, but society as a whole will be revitalized. We need to set the course today to ensure that the economy of tomorrow is much more innovative, sustainable and therefore more successful again."
Current data underlines the need for action
In Brandenburg, only 18.9% of managers are female, which is already the highest figure in Germany at 17%. Brandenburg is also ahead in Germany's districts and cities: Uckermark in first place with 23 percent and Elbe-Elster in third place with 22 percent. 7th, 8th and 9th places are also occupied by Brandenburg an der Havel (21.4), Prignitz and Ostprignitz-Ruppin (21.2 each) (source: Listflix® - a service of Datamego GmbH). 54 percent of employees in the state's public sector are women, and the proportion of female managers is 44.5 percent.
Background information
The state working group (LAG) is a cooperation between the three chambers of industry and commerce in the state of Brandenburg. It represents the interests of around 160,000 companies from industry, trade and services.