Diminishing Gender Pay Gap in Saxony-Anhalt and Germany
Introduction:
The gender pay gap refers to the disparity in earnings between male and female employees for comparable work. This persistent issue has been a focus of policy and societal debate worldwide. In this article, we delve into the recent developments regarding the gender pay gap in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt and at the national level.
Saxony-Anhalt: Halving the Gender Pay Gap
Saxony-Anhalt has made significant progress in reducing the gender pay gap in recent years. In 2023, women in the state earned an average of 4% less gross per hour than men, a significant improvement from 2018, when the difference stood at 8%. This reduction represents a halving of the gap in just five years.
The Gender Pay Gap (GPG) in Saxony-Anhalt has also decreased by one percentage point since 2023, further highlighting the positive trend. However, it’s important to note that the GPG in Saxony-Anhalt remains higher than the national average.
National Perspective: Gradual Decline in Gender Pay Gap
While Saxony-Anhalt has made notable strides in reducing the gender pay gap, the national picture is somewhat more nuanced. On a federal level, the GPG has been gradually diminishing, but it remains a persistent issue.
In 2020-2023, the GPG in Germany stood at 18%, indicating a significant pay disparity between men and women. However, in 2024, this gap narrowed to 16%, marking a 2% reduction. While this progress is encouraging, it suggests that a substantial gap still exists.
Hourly Earnings: Saxony-Anhalt vs. National Averages
In April 2024, female employees in Saxony-Anhalt earned an average of €20.04 gross per hour, while male employees earned €20.93. This gap of €0.89 represents a slightly lower GPG than the average for the five eastern German states, where women earned €20.43 and men earned €21.58 per hour.
The GPG in the former West Germany (including Berlin) is considerably wider. In 2024, female employees in this region earned an average of €22.50 per hour, while male employees earned €27.00 per hour, resulting in a GPG of approximately 16%.
Exceptional Cases: Women Outperform Men in Certain Age Groups
Interestingly, there are certain age groups where women in Saxony-Anhalt earn more than men. For example, women under 25 and over 65 have higher average earnings than their male counterparts.
Among young employees under 25, women earn 1% more gross per hour than men. This trend is reversed for those aged 65 and over, where women earn 10% more than men. These findings suggest that the GPG may not be uniform across all age groups and that other factors, such as experience and family responsibilities, could influence earnings.
Conclusion:
The gender pay gap remains a complex issue, both globally and in Germany. While Saxony-Anhalt has made significant progress in reducing the GPG, the issue persists at the national level. The gradual decline in the GPG is encouraging, but there is still room for improvement.
Addressing the gender pay gap requires a multifaceted approach that involves promoting equal opportunities, combating gender biases, and implementing policies that support women in the workforce. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to pay disparities, we can create a more equitable labor market for all.
