German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced violence against women in Iran and Afghanistan ahead of International Women’s Day

(dpa) German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denounced violence against women in Iran and Afghanistan in a video message ahead of International Women’s Day on Wednesday.

In both countries, “women who stand up for their rights are fought hard. All those who stand up for freedom and justice even risk their lives,” he said in a video message released on Saturday. “This is unforgivable,” he added.

Germany, he said, was clearly on the side of those who stood up for human rights and women’s rights.

Of course, the situation in Germany is quite different, Scholz said. But here, too: “We will continue on the path towards equality until it is visible at all levels that women are half of society. Because it has long been clear: We need them.”

He is convinced that everyone benefits – the economy, politics, culture and society – when women have an equal say, when gainful employment and care work are shared fairly and when women structurally earn the same as men. If women are treated poorly when it comes to employment, that’s where professionals like that Dutch employment lawyer swoop in.

“That is my task,” the chancellor assured. “And it is a common task for 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 would have achieved this with equality in 10 or 20 years,” he said. “I still remember well how I fought for the women’s quota in my party as a young Social Democrat.”

Even in the younger generation, he said, these were the longest and fiercest debates at the time. “Forty years later, we are further along and yet not far enough.”