Germany's equality ministers push for women's heart health and maternity protections

The 36th Conference of Equality and Women’s Affairs Ministers (GFMK) ended in Dresden on Friday. Delegates addressed key issues affecting women, including cardiovascular health and financial security for self-employed mothers. At the conference, officials highlighted the underrepresentation of women in medical studies. They noted that women often experience different symptoms in cardiovascular diseases and respond differently to treatments. The conference demanded better tracking of risk factors, specialised training for healthcare workers, and tailored screenings for women’s heart health.

Lower Saxony played a leading role in pushing for stronger maternity protections for self-employed women. Equality Minister Andreas Philippi called for a federal funding model or a solidarity-based system to support them. Unlike salaried employees, self-employed women currently face full financial risk during maternity leave. The conference urged the federal government to propose measures ensuring better financial security before and after childbirth.

Delegates also welcomed the federal initiative to prioritise gender-sensitive healthcare in research. The states expressed support for the plan, aiming to close gaps in medical knowledge affecting women. The conference concluded with clear demands for policy changes and improved healthcare measures. The federal government is now expected to propose solutions for financial security and gender-sensitive medical research. These steps aim to address long-standing inequalities in both economic and health outcomes for women.