Financial independence for women: Upper Austria's new strategy!

Financial independence for women: Upper Austria's new strategy!

In a current report by orf.at , it becomes clear that despite a high level of satisfaction with their living situation, a fifth of women in Upper Austria still depends financially on partners or parents. Deputy Governor Christine Haberlander therefore calls for more measures to strengthen the financial independence of women. In particular, she emphasizes the urgency of pension splitting to combat the poverty in old age among women. The IMAS survey, which was carried out in January 2025, also shows that 85% of the women surveyed consider an independent lifestyle to be important. Flexible working time models are at the top of the wish list in 97% of women.

challenges for equality

The survey of 300 women and 200 men also shows that the commercial enterprises have a key role. The management consultant Irene Maria Walter emphasizes that more flexible working time models are necessary in order to be able to better reconcile family and work. The negative economic situation, inflation and international conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine are identified by the respondents as obstacles to equality. According to laenderdaten.de , the gender ratio in Austria is around 0.95, which means that there is a little fewer women than men, which is particularly noticeable in the age group of over 65-year-olds.

A central concern of 94% of women surveyed is the fight against violence against women. They see the public positioning of men against violence as crucial for social equality. Also three quarters of the men agree to this statement. Together with Haberlander, the state government is planning to expand women's shelters and transitional apartments in order to create safe retreats for victims of violence. The majority opinion that equality between men and women is severely impaired by the current economic and political situation in work, family and society illustrates the need for a comprehensive social change.