Women in German Political Positions

By: Wafaa Fayez

CAIRO, Mar. 11 (SEE)-  March 8 is the day which turned from a painful memory to an international celebration. Creativity and pain are correlated partners for the woman. In spite of challenges, women prove their success everywhere. Therefore, SEE celebrates the International Woman's Day.

According to a report of the media center at the German foreign ministry, German Chancellor Angela Merkel leads the Forbes list of the most powerful women in politics. German women have managed to take over half the portfolios in the German government.

How many women are in the German government?

Seven, and so women almost occupy half of the 16 German cabinet portfolios, including the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Defense.

How much is the proportion of women in the Bundestag?

The percentage of women in parliament has dropped from 36 to 30 percent in the Bundestag elections of 2017. The Greens have the highest participation of women among the parties currently represented in the Bundestag, with 39 out of 67 majorities of the party's deputies in parliament.

This is also true of the left party, where women are slightly more representative than men at a rate of 37 to 32. In percentages, most women in parliament represent the Social Democratic Party with 64 seats. In contrast, only 10 women in the right- Of the party's 64 seats, followed by Liberal Democrats (LDP), where 18 out of 62 seats in parliament.

At the head of the two popular parties are two women: Angela Merkel, leader of the Christian Democratic Party and Andrea Nalis, leader of the Social Democratic Party.

Where does Germany stand in international competition?

In an average place - Germany ranked 46 out of 190 in the proportion of women's participation compared to other countries in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, while Rwanda, Bolivia and Cuba topped the rankings. In addition, other EU countries such as France, Spain and Belgium have overtaken Germany and occupied the 15th, 16th and 22nd positions.

How many ambassadors are representing Germany abroad?

There are approximately 20 embassies out of 150 German embassies abroad headed by women. Also, since 2018 the German Embassy in Washington headed by woman for the first time.