Facts about Germany 2015 2015 | Page 127

to a study by the German Institute for Eco- life for severely disabled youths. Going be- nomic Research (DIW), of the 877 seats on yond the action plan, a federal participation the executive boards of the top 200 com- law is envisaged, thus aligning support for panies, only 47 are occupied by women. people with disabilities even more closely with individual living situations. In 2015 the Law on Equal Participation of Women and Men in Leadership Positions The elderly constitute a further group entered into force in the private and public whose needs and potential the Federal Gov- sector. Among other things, it stipulates ernment particularly has in mind. 17 mil- that women must occupy 30 percent of seats lion people in Germany are aged 65 years on the supervisory councils of companies or older. Their wealth of experience is con- listed on the stock exchange. In future 3,500 sidered beneficial to society. Their ways of additional firms must set themselves bind- life have likewise diversified and changed; ing targets to increase the proportion of overall elderly people are considerably more women in managerial positions. The pro- active today than in the past. They are fre- portion of women in the Bundestag has, in quently also still integrated in the labour contrast, developed remarkably, currently market. As meeting places, 450 multigenera- at 36.5 percent. tional houses promote an intensive dialogue between old and young, bringing together Inclusion as an important people of different ages. social responsibility The Federal Government also aims to create equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It is working towards an inclusive society in which everyone can participate equally: at school, at work, in leisure time. This requires comprehensive accessibility – and the aim is to remove both obstacles in buildings, on streets and paths and social hurdles, such as access to the labour market. In 2007 Germany was one of the first states to sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with a national action plan structuring its implementation. Among other things, it envisages intensive preparation measures for working INFO Shell Youth Study What makes young people in Germany “tick”? What is important to them, how do they spend their spare time, what is their relationship like to their parents and friends? Since 1953 the oil-and-gas company Shell has regularly commissioned independent research institutes to paint a portrait of young people. The 17th Shell Youth Study is due to be published in October 2015. → shell.de/aboutshell/ourcommitment/shell-youth-study.html