State of Families: NRW Report Sees Growing Poverty Risk

Families in North Rhine-Westphalia face an increasing risk of poverty, according to a new report released after eleven years. While the compatibility of family and work remains a significant challenge, especially for women, the report highlights several warning signs about the financial stability of households.

Women in the state continue to reduce their working hours more than men. In 2024, men's average weekly working hours slightly decreased to 39, while mothers' employment hours increased to an average of 27 hours per week. Despite this increase, mothers' working hours remain considerably lower than fathers', impacting their economic independence, retirement provisions, and career advancement. The report indicates that women still handle the bulk of childcare, dedicating twice as many hours to children and household tasks as fathers, even when working the same hours.

While most families perceive their financial situation as good, the overall risk of poverty has risen and is unevenly distributed. Single-parent households, families with multiple children, and those with a history of immigration are identified as particularly at risk. Over a third of single parents in North Rhine-Westphalia face a threat of poverty. The poverty risk rate for families in the state stands at over 16 percent, slightly above the national average in 2024. This situation means that one in four children in North Rhine-Westphalia grows up in a high-risk environment, potentially limiting their social participation and causing significant financial stress for parents when unexpected expenses arise.

Furthermore, the report notes that one in ten parents in families with minor children lacks a high school diploma. Nearly a third of mothers and fathers also fall into this category. The German Youth Institute (DJI) compiled the report on behalf of the state's family ministry.