A shared commitment to equality
On the occasion of International Women's Day, the City Council of Madrid has launched a powerful campaign under the slogan “Madrid will be better if women and men build it together”. This message aims to engage the entire society in the fight for gender equality, highlighting that significant barriers still exist that prevent true equity.
The mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, during the institutional event held in the capital, emphasized that although important progress has been made, wage gaps and difficulties in work-life balance remain critical obstacles. Almeida stressed that “it does not make a difference to be a man or a woman in Spain,” which makes this social demand urgent.
As part of the commemorative activities, the City Council awarded the prestigious Clara Campoamor prize to two prominent figures. Journalist Julia Navarro was recognized for her informative work, while an honorary mention was given to the Iranian Association for Human Rights. This gesture highlights not only individual achievements but also collective struggles for women's rights around the world.
One of the most concerning statistics presented during the event was that more than 40% of young men aged 15 to 29 do not consider it important to fight for equality. This statistic reveals a crucial challenge for future generations and reinforces the need for effective educational campaigns that promote a culture of respect and equality from an early age.
Throughout the event, topics related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) vocations were addressed, where women still face notable disadvantages. Dolores Esteban, dean of the College of Civil Engineers, highlighted that currently only 16% of women are in her profession, which is reason enough to reflect on how to attract more female talent to these fields. Alongside her was Sonsoles Carles, director of Palacio Valdés school, who shared her personal experience and advocated for educating young girls to become role models in these areas.
The most emotional intervention of the event came from Fariba Ehsan, representative of the Iranian Association for Human Rights. Her speech resonated deeply as she sent a message of solidarity to all Iranian women fighting against an oppressive regime. Ehsan stated: You are not alone; your messages are clear symbols of resistance and struggle. Her testimony about the atrocities suffered by women in Iran following recent protests underscores how this day is not only a celebration but also an urgent call to action against global injustices.
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