Scholz denounces violence against women in Iran and Afghanistan

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced the violence against women in Iran and Afghanistan on International Women's Day on Wednesday. In both countries, “women who stand up for their rights are severely opposed. All those who work for freedom and justice are even risking their lives,” criticized the SPD politician in his video message “Kanzler compact”, which was distributed on Saturday. "This is unforgivable," he added. Germany is clearly on the side of those who stand up for human and women's rights.

The situation in Germany is of course very different, said Scholz. But here, too, the following applies: “We will continue on the path to equality until it is visible at all levels that women make up half of society. Because it has long been clear: we need them. ”He is convinced that everyone will benefit – business, politics, culture and society – if women have the same say, if paid work and care work are divided fairly and if women structurally have the same amount men earned. "That's my job," assured the Chancellor. "And it's a shared responsibility of all of us, regardless of gender."

At the same time, Scholz gave an insight into his own development. "When I was young, I thought that we will have equality in 10 or 20 years," he said. "I still remember well how, as a young Social Democrat, I fought for the women's quota in my party." Even among the younger generation, these were the longest and fiercest debates at the time. "40 years later we are further and still not far enough."