North Rhine-Westphalia fights for equal maternity rights for self-employed women
North Rhine-Westphalia is pushing for stronger maternity protection for self-employed women across Germany. The state government has renewed its call for statutory changes, arguing that pregnancy should never be treated as an occupational risk. Around 27,000 self-employed women give birth each year without the same safeguards as employees. The campaign gained momentum after the West German Chamber of Skilled Crafts (WHKT) submitted detailed proposals. These were developed from a state-funded feasibility study. At the heart of the plan is a one-time, flat-rate wage replacement benefit during the maternity protection period.
Minister Mona Neubaur of the Green Party has been vocal in her support. She recently declared that 'now it’s Berlin’s turn' to act on the issue. The state has already led a federal council initiative and commissioned the study, whose findings will be released in July.
To move the process forward, the Ministry of Economic Affairs hosted a discussion in Berlin. Representatives from politics, business, and civil society attended to explore how the proposals could be put into practice. The state remains firm in its demand for equal maternity protection. If implemented, the changes would close a gap in support for self-employed women. The next steps depend on federal action following the July study results.
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