On International Women's Day, Pedro Sánchez highlights advancements in women's rights and gender equality in Spain while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
In a recent address during the International Women's Day celebrations at the Museo del Prado, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized his government's commitment to feminist policies, asserting that Spain has become a global benchmark for feminism.
Sánchez expressed confidence that, if asked today, many women would choose to be born and live in Spain due to the advancements made in gender equality.
He characterized his administration as "proudly feminist in both word and action," contrasting this with what he described as "reactionary voices" from "tech oligarchs" threatening to roll back existing equality and diversity plans.
He highlighted that the country has transformed significantly in terms of women's rights over the decades.
Sánchez drew a comparison between women born in 1957 and those born in 2007, stating that the former had limited rights, including no access to divorce and the necessity of male approval to open a bank account.
In contrast, he noted that the latter generation now benefits from a dedicated Ministry of Equality and continues to make significant strides in multiple areas of society.
The Prime Minister raised concerns regarding the potential erosion of feminist gains, stating that "many of the achievements" are currently "under attack" and subjected to severe scrutiny.
He criticized governments in countries that once led the way in women's rights, suggesting a regression influenced by cultural wars, specifically referencing the situation in the United States during
Donald Trump's administration.
Highlighting some key legislative achievements, Sánchez mentioned the "only yes means yes" principle embodied in Spain's consent law and noted the progress towards gender parity in leadership roles, with women making up over 40% of executives in large companies.
He expressed confusion as to why opposition parties continue to oppose gender quotas, emphasizing their necessity for equality.
Sánchez set several ambitious objectives for the coming years, including increasing women's labor force participation to 70%, reducing the gender pay gap to below 5% by 2023, and ensuring that women hold half of both political and economic power.
He further addressed young men, encouraging them not to perceive women's progress as a threat, but rather as a collective advancement that benefits all genders.