Many working women generally reduce their working hours after giving birth, which is associated with a loss of income. Researchers at IfM Bonn have also analysed what childbirth means for self-employed women, as they are not covered by statutory maternity leave. One of their findings is that, in order to limit their loss of turnover and income, many self-employed women work until shortly before giving birth and return to work soon after the birth.
Another key finding of the chartbook "Self-employed women become mothers – the consequences for their gainful employment" is that two out of three solo self-employed women give up their self-employment after giving birth because they cannot delegate tasks. In contrast, self-employed women with employees predominantly continue their gainful employment, but one sixth of them only as solo self-employed women.
