Women in Berlin will be offered a 21% discount on tickets for the city’s metro, trams and buses to mark Equal Pay Day.
Berlin’s BVG transit authority announced the “Frauenticket” discount on Monday to call attention to one of the highest gender pay gaps in Europe.
It will be available on Monday, March 18, with stamped passes valid until 3am the next day, BVG said. It will mean the cost of a day ticket in the inner two zones of Berlin will be reduced from €7 to €5.50.
“Women in Germany earn 21% less than men. Time to do something about it,” the BVG transit authority said, adding that Germany’s gender pay gap is the second-highest in Europe, behind only Estonia. The gap is less than 5% in Italy.
The figures mean a German woman would have to work 442 days to earn as much as a man earned in 365. Counting the difference – 77 days – means women essentially work for free until March 18 each year.
On the website advertising the offer, BVG said: “It is not our intention that men feel discriminated against by the action. If that happens, we apologise. On the other hand, who apologises to the women who earn on average 21% less?”
The agency said it believes most men of Berlin would not only understand the action, but support it.
“Especially since this small gesture of solidarity is disproportionate to what women are deprived of income on a yearly basis,” it said.
The transit agency said it was working to boost women’s share of its workforce to 27% from the current 20%, and already ensured equal pay for women and men in all job categories.
“Our goal with this campaign is mainly to call attention to the problem, and to stand for pay equity as a company,” it said on its website.
A number of businesses in Berlin, including shops, opticians and hotels, will also offer women a 21% discount on goods and services on March 18.