On the eve of International Women’s Day, the left-wing Spanish government has introduced a bill for quotas in politics and business. For example, Madrid wants the government, boards and boards of large listed companies, organizations and political parties to consist of 40 percent women.
This is an “important step towards effective equality” in “our country’s decision-making bodies,” said Nadia Calviño, economy minister and number two in Pedro Sanchez’s government. She thinks it’s good to increase the proportion of women in key places with commitments, rather than recommendations. Calviño hopes to break through “the glass ceiling” that women still encounter in institutions.
The electoral lists of political parties should also comply with this obligation, in both local and national elections.
The text also sets the minimum number of women at 40 percent on the board of directors of listed companies and in companies with more than 250 employees and a turnover of at least 50 million euros.
The threshold is already in force in several European countries, such as Norway, France and Finland. This is in line with a target set by the EU to increase the number of women in board positions by 2026.
The text still has to be approved by the Spanish parliament and it seems unlikely that this will happen before the parliamentary elections at the end of this year.
Sanchez’s government currently has 14 women ministers to 8 men, making it one of the most female governments in the world, with 63 percent women. The government considers women’s rights very important and also has a Minister for Equality. Last month, Spain became the first European country to introduce medical menstrual leave.
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