Women's Minister Holzleitner: New paths for equality and protection!

Women's Minister Holzleitner: New paths for equality and protection!

On International Women's Day 2025, the new Women's Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) presents herself as a committed feminist and announces significant changes. Her press conference made it clear that she wanted to differentiate herself from her predecessor Susanne Raab (ÖVP), who did not define herself as a feminist. Holzleitner explains: “Yes, I am a feminist” and emphasizes the need for a legal right to childcare as well as comprehensive measures to protect against violence. These include, among other things, ankle bracelets for high-risk violent offenders and a national action plan against violence against women. A new "Dick Pic Paragraph" aims to criminalize unwanted sexual messages in order to take into account the realities of all women's lives, such as oe24 reported.

The minister also addresses pay inequality and calls for more transparency in wages. Companies should have to justify unequal salaries. Their agenda also includes a maintenance guarantee, which is intended to prevent women and children from having to wait long for payments. Holzleitner rejects the SPÖ's sole government, but insists that its goals should continue to be pursued. Meanwhile, the “LEA – Let’s empower Austria” initiative, which was founded in 2020, is taking stock: in the last three years, almost 12,000 participants have been reached through a wide range of offers. This initiative aims to empower girls and women to lead their own lives. As early as 2024, 30 workshops on economic independence were held ots.at reported.

Today, Holzleitner will be accompanied by a generation talk in which equality for women will be discussed. The event also draws attention to the challenges and opportunities that women and girls face in Austria. With her clear position and innovative programs, Holzleitner shows that the fight for equality and women's rights in Austria is being pushed forward.