Demands for International Women's Day also in Saxony - Saxony's women demand bold action—not flowers—on International Women's Day

Ahead of International Women's Day, female politicians in Saxony are pushing for stronger action on gender equality. Calls for binding policies and fair pay come as new figures highlight persistent disparities in wages and unpaid labour. Protests and symbolic actions are planned across the region, with Dresden at the centre of the movement.

Recent data shows women in Saxony still earn 8.5% less than men for the same work and qualifications. They also perform an average of 30 hours of unpaid domestic labour each week, compared to 20 hours for men. These figures have fuelled demands for concrete change.

Katja Meier, a Green Party politician, is pressing for a legally binding equality plan with clear targets and responsibilities. Her party has submitted a motion urging the state government to take cross-departmental action against discrimination. Meier stresses that equality is not just a social issue but an economic and political necessity for Saxony.

In Dresden, the Pirate Party is organising a Sunday protest to criticise what they call 'flower politics'—the tradition of male politicians handing out flowers on March 8. Their action aims to mock the gesture and draw attention to deeper inequalities. Meanwhile, Anja Eichhorn, co-leader of the Left Party, describes the upcoming demonstrations as a sign of hope and resistance.

Juliane Nagel, another Left Party lawmaker, has used a bold metaphor to demand full equity. She insists women should not settle for crumbs but claim 'the whole bakery and the pastry shop too.'

The push for gender equity in Saxony comes with specific demands for policy changes and public awareness. Protests and political motions aim to address wage gaps, unpaid labour, and symbolic gestures that activists say fall short. Organisers expect the actions to keep pressure on authorities beyond International Women's Day.