Self-employed, pregnant, financially secure

In Berlin, representatives from politics, trade and society discussed ways to improve maternity protection for self-employed women.

Maternity Protection 2.0 – self-employed, pregnant, and protected. That was the motto of a project by North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Economic Affairs organized event in Berlin. Representatives from politics, business and society came together there to discuss concrete implementation strategies.

In Germany, there is currently no reliable statutory maternity protection for self-employed women. The state of North Rhine-Westphalia introduced an initiative on this topic in the Bundesrat (Federal Council) in 2024, which received a majority there.

Feasibility study by the WHKT

In parallel, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is funding a feasibility study of the West German Chamber of Crafts (WHKT). The WHKT is presenting proposals for streamlined support for pregnant business owners. The focus is on a one-time, lump-sum wage replacement payment during maternity leave. The detailed results of the study are expected to be presented in July.

"With the model of a flexible maternity compensation for self-employed women, we are introducing a concrete solution proposal into the political discussion on securing the financial security of self-employed women during pregnancy and maternity," explained WHKT Managing Director Dr. Florian Hartmann.

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Improving the compatibility of family and career

Self-employed women could receive a lump-sum financial compensation during maternity leave to cover ongoing expenses and lost earnings. These benefits could also be expanded as needed. "Women shouldn't have to choose between their self-employment and family planning and put one on hold for the other."

According to the ministry, around 27.000 self-employed women in Germany give birth each year. They do not have the same protections as employed women. Therefore, they face particular challenges in balancing family and career. North Rhine-Westphalia aims to raise awareness of the situation of self-employed women with this event.

North Rhine-Westphalia demands modern maternity protection

"Unnecessary pressure and financial disadvantages surrounding pregnancy and childbirth must be compensated for, and modern maternity protection for self-employed people must be enshrined in law," the ministry demanded.

"Women make up half of society – but when it comes to maternity protection, self-employed women are still treated as if they were a marginalized group. This is not only unfair, it's also economically short-sighted," emphasized Mona Neubaur (Greens), Minister of Economic Affairs for North Rhine-Westphalia. Pregnancy should not be an occupational hazard. She called on the federal government to address this issue.

Create reliable structures

"The fact that North Rhine-Westphalia is now addressing the issue so clearly is an important signal," emphasized Johanna Röh, chairwoman of the association "Maternity protection for all"For many self-employed women, pregnancy is still a financial risk that is difficult to calculate. Anyone who wants to attract and retain more women in self-employment in the long term – especially with regard to business succession and the shortage of skilled workers – must create reliable structures for balancing work and family life."

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