Germany faces persistent childcare inequality limiting women's labour participation

A research team from the TUM Campus Heilbronn analysed data from OECD countries and found that families with low income are far less likely to use early‑childhood care, even where overall provision has expanded. Gaps of up to 40 percentage points were recorded for children under three, and barriers such as high fees, complex registration, limited opening hours and staffing shortages were identified. The authors propose six policy measures, including expanding slots for the youngest children, simplifying application processes, income‑dependent or free fees and greater use of digital platforms.

A separate DGB index on "Good Work" shows that German women are twice as likely as men to be employed part‑time, with 57 % citing childcare and 19 % citing care for relatives as the main reasons. Even highly qualified women remain in part‑time roles, reporting higher levels of exhaustion and economic dependence. The DGB calls for expanded childcare infrastructure, financial subsidies, flexible working arrangements and stronger parental‑leave provisions for fathers to improve work‑family balance.