Expat Women In Spain Need to Know This
In a landmark move for gender equality, Spain has introduced significant legislative changes in 2023 that are particularly impactful for expat women. These changes place Spain at the forefront of feminism in Europe, with progressive policies aimed at ensuring equal representation and rights for women.
Statutory Gender Quota System Spain’s new statutory gender quota system is a pioneering step in Europe. This system mandates equal representation of men and women in decision-making roles across various sectors, setting a precedent for other European countries.
Political Representation A crucial aspect of this legislation is the introduction of “zipper lists” in electoral law. Political parties are now required to present an equal number of male and female candidates during elections. This measure aims to correct the gender imbalance in Spanish politics, where currently, women occupy only 44% of seats in Congress and 39% in the Senate.
Business and Professional Spheres In the business sector, the law enforces a minimum of 40% female representation on the boards of listed companies with more than 250 employees and an annual turnover of €50 million. This requirement also extends to professional associations and juries for public awards. Such measures are crucial for enhancing female participation in higher-level business decisions and governance.
Broader Equality Initiatives These policies are part of Spain’s broader commitment to gender equality, including recent laws allowing people to change their gender from the age of 16 and the introduction of state-paid menstrual leave, a first in Europe.
For expat women in Spain, these changes represent a significant shift towards a more inclusive and equal society. It’s crucial for expat women to be aware of these developments, as they present new opportunities and rights in various professional and public roles. These reforms not only benefit women directly but also contribute to a more balanced and diverse societal structure in Spain.
For more information on how you can boost your career in Spain, visit Experteer. At Experteer, they have hundreds of jobs for expat women based in Spain that can benefit from these initiavies aiming to close the gender gap in Spain. Whether you have experience in retail, hopitality, engineering or any industry, Experteer can help match you with an ideal position. Let 2024 be the year when you boost your career prospects!