Search

East German women accounted for 49% of the workforce and occupied a large variety of jobs under communist rule. Women were encouraged to have children and return to full-time employment by the excellent provision of child care facilities. This approach encouraged labour productivity. Since German reunification in 1990 East German women have been hit with high unemployment rates, male dominance and poor child care facilities. Many women have chosen not to have children even if it means unemployment. The government needs to establish a policy to deal with female unemployment.