Laws Relevant to Children and Young People in Germany > Index A-G > Federal Gender Equality Act

Federal Gender Equality Act
Bundeskindergeldgesetz (BKGG)

Act on the Equality of Women and Men in Federal Authorities and Courts (Federal Gender Equality Act – BGleiG) of 30 November 2001, amended by Art. 3 Para. 11 of the Act of 14 August 2007

The Federal Gender Equality Act for Federal Authorities/Agencies and Federal Courts, which entered into force on 5 December 2007, creates equality of women and men, abolishes existing and prevents future discrimination on the basis of gender. Another objective of the Act is an improved work-life balance for men and women. The Act takes into account the special concerns of women with a disability or women at risk of disability.

Pursuant to this Act, women will be especially promoted to reduce their existing disadvantages. The Act distinguishes between direct and indirect discrimination against women.
 
Among other provisions, the Act includes rules on:
  • the scope, which is extended to federal agencies under private law and, by way of contracts, to federally-owned companies at the time of their privatisation, as well as institutional recipients of federal benefits;
  • quotas applying in specific cases;
  • the extensive rights and responsibilities of equality commissioners;
  • an explicit and concrete prohibition also of indirect discrimination;
  • specifications for more effective equal opportunity plans even during personnel and staff roster cuts; and
  • improved rules on the reconciliation of family and employment.
The Equal Opportunity Reports of the Federal Government to the Bundestag will continue to be the most significant controlling instrument; the reports will include a specific focus on model equal opportunity projects in federal agencies and authorities as examples of good practice.