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