Spain aims for quotas for women in politics, business

Madrid [Spain], March 8: The Spanish Cabinet approved draft legislation on Tuesday aimed at providing equal opportunities for women by introducing quotas at the top levels of politics and business, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government announced in Madrid.
The left-wing government intends for the so-called "Parity Act" to be passed into law before parliamentary elections at the end of the year.
The target is a minimum of 40% for both sexes at the top levels in politics, public administration, associations and larger companies.
The plans will require listed companies to achieve this goal by July 1, 2024, Economy Minister Nadia Calvino told journalists. Other large concerns would be given to July 1, 2026.
The initiative "breaks through the glass ceilings in the public and private spheres and confirms Spain as one of the most progressive countries in the world with respect to equality between the sexes," Calvino said.
She noted that the plan went well beyond the aims of the European Union in this respect.
The measure announced by Sanchez on Saturday was not only aimed at social justice, but also at economic common sense, Calviño said. "We must make use of 100% of the female talent in our country to boost the productivity of companies and to achieve stronger and more sustainable growth." Women hold 60% of the posts in the current government. Speaking on International Women's Day on Wednesday, she said equality should not depend on the current head of government.
Source: Qatar Tribune