All things being equal
Celebrating a day for women's rights all over Spain
Benissa fire brigade killed two birds with one stone and celebrated March 8, which is the force's patron saint's day as well as International Women's Day, by posting this photo on their social media.
TOWN halls all over Alicante province marked International Women’s Day on Monday (March 8) with scaled-down events due to the pandemic.
On the same day vice-president of the Valencia region, Mónica Oltra gave details of the law of equality between woman and men (Ley de Igualdad entre mujeres y hombres) which is currently being drawn up for the region.
Sra Oltra said their objective was that the law should not be ‘merely a declaration’ – but ‘should have an impact on people’s lives, above all in the economic sphere’.
She noted that it would contain measures that give extra points to companies bidding for public contracts which have equal numbers of men and women on their boards and that have equality plans for their employees.
Via the legislation, they are aiming for a ‘redistribution of economic resources’ so there is parity between the sexes.
Sra Oltra added that a period has now been opened up to allow residents and associations to participate and give their input into the law.
Towns mark the day
Alfaz paid tribute to all workers in the health sector with the presentation of the ‘relevant woman award 2021’, in recognition of all the essential work they have provided during the pandemic.
Created in 2020 by the department of equality, the award is to distinguish women who have stood out in their work, dedication and professional career path.
Collecting the award on their behalf was Rosa Louis Cereceda, managing director of the Marina Baixa health department and Teresa Revilla Lorenzo, director of the regional public health centre.
Around 75% of health personnel in Alicante province are women – and 90% of nursing staff.
In Calpe eight representatives were chosen to illustrate the ‘essential role’ women played during the health crisis.
Brought together in the Plaza Mayor, the department of equality said it ‘serves as a tribute to the role that women play in our society’.
In the group were the director of the health centre; a Guardia Civil officer; a local police officer; a civil protection volunteer; a home attention service worker; a Red Cross worker; a representative of the town’s pharmacists; and a representative of Calpe’s supermarkets.
The daily fight for equality will continue ‘because women are essential’ was the headline message of a statement read outside Jávea town hall. The local authority’s manifesto commitment was a ‘tribute and recognition’ of women’s movements to achieve their rights - and to acknowledge the continued existence of inequalities in society.
“We are now in another crisis caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, and once again women are the most vulnerable to suffer its economic effects,” read the statement.
In Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolón read out a statement and was joined by councillors from all parties to show their support outside the town hall.
He noted that they were there to support policies which improve the lives of women and guarantee their rights.
From March 5 until today (Friday), La Nucía illuminated the facades of the town hall, church and sports stadium in violet to commemorate the occasion.
Altea’s department for equality and trade, together with local businesses produced stickers which were displayed in their establishments to show their commitment to equality, both to their customers and workers.
Those interested in participating should contact the councillors for equality or trade at the town hall.
In Benidorm a banner was hung from the town hall and public buildings were lit up in violet.
Councillor for equality Angela Zaragozi said activities would take place online and be extended through the entire month with an assortment of screenings and activities.
Local police in Villajoyosa participated in the celebration, making special reference to the women who wear a police uniform.
The town has one of the highest percentages of women police officers in the province and they decorated the antenna of their patrol cars with a purple ribbon as well as the front of the Cespol building where the police station is located.