Spain promises investments in equal opportunities, awareness campaigns (updated)

Emphasizing that the fight against gender violence is a “national priority” that deserves special attention, Spain vows to continue working for a comprehensive response to all forms of violence, such as trafficking for sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and sexual assault.

Investing in gender equality, Spain's Strategic Plan for Equal Opportunities 2014–2016 is allocated a budget of EUR 3.1 million. To promote the participation and leadership of women in political, economic, social and cultural life, the country commits to strengthen the initiative “More Women, Better Business”, aimed at moving towards balanced participation in management positions in companies. A Code of Good Governance of Listed Companies, adopted in February 2015, urges companies to increase the number of directors representing at least 30 per cent of the total by 2020.

Spain also commits to conduct awareness campaigns to fight against stereotypes, promote equal opportunities and combat violence against women, primarily directed at youth and adolescents.

In October, under the Spanish presidency of the Security Council, the High-level Review on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 will be held to assess progress, renew commitments and address obstacles in the implementation of the resolution, as the country celebrates the 15th anniversary of its adoption. As a symbol of its importance, the Prime Minister of Spain will host a high-level debate on 13 October. [ Commitment (in Spanish) ]

Developments since Spain’s commitment

Inversión en igualdad de género: en relación con el Plan Estratégico de Igualdad de Oportunidades 2014–2016, se están desarrollando el Plan de Acción para la Igualdad de Oportunidades de Mujeres y Hombres en la Sociedad de la Información (2014–2017) y el Plan para la Promoción de Mujeres en Áreas Rurales (2015–2018). Asimismo se está desarrollando el II Plan para la Igualdad entre mujeres y hombres en la Administración General del Estado y en sus organismos públicos. Se ha elaborado el informe intermedio de seguimiento del Plan Estratégico y se está elaborando el de la evaluación final para empezar a preparar ya el nuevo Plan Estratégico de Igualdad de Oportunidades 2017–2020. Este nuevo Plan seguirá trabajando en las mismas prioridades: mayor participación de mujeres en el empleo y emprendimiento; reducción de la brecha salarial de género; una mayor presencia de mujeres en puestos de responsabilidad y mejorar la conciliación de la vida familiar, personal y laboral. [ Full update (in Spanish) ]