Encourage women to take on management positions

The goals of gender equality and equal opportunities for men and women in all jobs remain just as important today as ever. First and foremost, it’s up to our companies to take the lead. A company which looks to the future selects only the very best special¬ists and managers – and we know that women are especially highly-skilled.

A shortage of up-and-coming professionals is already noticeable in some sectors. It is becoming ever more difficult to find adequate younger replacements for departing older employees. This is just one more reason to encourage more highly motivated, well-educated women to take on management positions. These women must get the support they need in order to fulfill their potential. The role that politics has to play here is to ensure the right conditions. That is why the German Government is working towards flexible, family-friendly working hours and expanded childcare.

Most companies and organizations today are aware of the value of diversity and gender equality. Equal opportunities and family-friendliness are firmly rooted in personnel policy, in management structures and in corporate philosophies – because content, motivated employees enhance the economic and innovative strength that will be decisive for the future.

Those who apply for the Total E-Quality trademark are underlining their commitment to equal opportunities for men and women, and thus also the future strength of their company or organization.

Dr. Angela Merkel
Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany