Some analysts say, however, that the motive was less equality than making sure that families were forced to rely on the state to care for their children. Either way, most east German women today prefer not to stay home. Three times as many east German women as west seek to return to jobs after two years of maternity leave - a year less than they are legally allowed. We received good training. Weisbach sees her factory as more than just a way of attaining independence and turning a profit.
Social concerns are a pressing issue for women in Germany.
Many see themselves as underrepresented not only in business, but in politics as well. An important source of support, say Weisbach and other businesswomen, is their families. Weisbach's husband, Lothar, in addition to pitching in on domestic chores, is also one of her three male employees. He does everything from maintaining machinery to marketing. While there are success stories, Helga Foster of the Berlin-based Federal Institute for Vocational Training and Academic Questions on Women is skeptical that entrepreneurship is the answer to female unemployment in east Germany.