Protection against violence

Raab: “We cannot prevent individual cases”

Women's Minister Raab sees different motives for violence against women

(Bild: APA/Eva Manhart)

This year's Women's Day has been overshadowed by a series of murders of women. The current cases in particular show "that the motives and backgrounds are very different", says Women's Affairs Minister Susanne Raab. "The sad truth is that despite the well-developed system of protection against violence, not every single tragic case can be prevented."

"If there are no indications in advance, it is very difficult for the state to take preventative action. It is important that we appeal to people's civil courage and also encourage affected women themselves to contact a facility as soon as possible when they recognize the first signs of physical or psychological violence. I will be launching a new information campaign in the next few weeks, in which we will once again draw attention to all the help available," announced the Minister.

With regard to the recent incidents involving minors, Raab supports the proposal by Chancellor and ÖVP leader Karl Nehammer to lower the age of criminal responsibility, but she also holds parents accountable. "If a girl is sexually abused and raped here for months, the question arises on the one hand, where were the parents of the perpetrators, and the second question, what is the right response of the constitutional state here."

The house of horrors

(Bild: Klemens Groh, Krone KREATIV)

"Our data shows that violence has different faces and different backgrounds. Addiction problems and mental illness are common issues, but yes, there is also a disproportionate number of perpetrators with a migration background. This is also evident from the scientific analysis of murders of women over the last ten years. We can't be blind in one eye, we have to be able to say that and we have to be able to talk about it openly."

When it comes to equality, Raab is of the opinion that "a great deal of progress has been made in key areas, but of course we have not yet reached the ceiling". Raab mentions the 4.5 billion for the expansion of childcare, the introduction of violence outpatient clinics and measures to strengthen the role of fathers. "International Women's Day also reminds us what equality looks like in different countries around the world and what we still need to work on."

A recurring theme is the pay gap. Raab continues to insist on automatic pension splitting, which is also anchored in Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer's Austrian plan. "We have already submitted a draft bill. I am simply convinced that it is a socio-political measure that will have an impact far beyond the legislative period and will also lead to more self-determination, especially for older women at an advanced age, because it will also mean that women will receive more pension. That's what I want, that's what I'm fighting for."

The Minister is convinced that the shortage of skilled workers will lead to greater pay equity. "As a company, I have to position myself well, also in terms of promoting women, in terms of reconciling family and career, and this also includes issues such as transparency."
When asked about stove bonus models such as those under the black-blue government in Salzburg, Raab sidesteps the issue and refers to the responsibility of the federal states. Childcare is a state matter, but she wants 100% freedom of choice for women. "They should choose for themselves how they organize their everyday lives and whether they start working earlier or later."

Expert also sees positive development in the salary debate

The gender pay gap is a key topic every year. On average, women earn much less than men. Austria performs quite poorly here in an international comparison. According to Eurostat, the gap was 18.4% in 2022, well above the EU average of 12.7%. Only Estonia is worse in the EU-21.3%. If part-time employment is included, the difference between men and women in Austria is 35%. "But you have to be careful with the calculations. Part-time work makes up a significant proportion in Austria. Namely 50% of women," says Carmen Treml from Agenda Austria.

Enormous losses due to parental leave

In addition, no distinction is often made between self-employed and employed. "We at Agenda compare dependent full-time employees. The gap is 12.4%. In 2004, it was still 20.8%. This means that a lot has changed in the last two decades. There has also been a positive development." But why is the gap still so big? Treml names the key points. On the one hand, there is the choice of profession, as there are still the classic male and female professions in Austria. Secondly, the latter are usually rather low-paid. Like jobs in the social sector. Furthermore: the often-mentioned parental leave and childcare. "96% of childcare is done by women. They then return to part-time work. This has an effect until retirement age." Moreover: Women suffer 70-80% losses due to parental leave, while there is no impact on men. Increasing from part-time to full-time also often doesn't pay off, "because the tax progression hits middle incomes so hard." Full-time work must become more attractive and parental leave must be better distributed, demands Treml.

Austria with high employment rate among women

The government recently released 4.5 billion for the expansion of childcare. "This is the right step. The question is how it will be implemented." Childcare is very well set up in Vienna, but not in rural regions.

By the way: Austria is generally very good when it comes to the employment rate of women. 70% is above the EU average. In Italy, only 51% of women are employed. However, the pay gap is only 4.3%. Carmen Treml: "This raises the question of which is better." One thing is certain. There is still plenty of room for improvement in Austria.