Tennessee Guerilla Women: Gender Equality Top Priority

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Gender Equality Top Priority - In Spain (Video)

"One thing that really awakens my rebellious streak is 20 centuries of one sex dominating the other. We talk of slavery, feudalism, exploitation -- but the most unjust domination is that of one-half of the human race over the other."

-- Prime Minister Zapatero

While we wait for someone to give a speech on gender equality here in the U.S., the self-identified feminist Prime Minister of Spain has appointed a female majority cabinet, along with the first Minister of Equality, and he vows to make equal pay a reality for the women of Spain within the next four years. Oh, and gay marriage is legal and the law requires political parties to practice gender parity.

The Spainish government runs public service ads informing men that they really need to do their share of housework. And ads on TV, Radio, Press, Billboards and internet sites are aimed at ending domestic violence. The Minister of Equality is working on helping men adapt to a "new model of masculinity," and she is working on the problem of the sexist language.

A forthcoming new Equality Law, to be ready by 2009, was announced during Equality Week. According to Deputy Prime Minister, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, the new law will "make equal treatment between the sexes effective, and eliminate all discrimination against women."

Eliminating "all discrimination against women" sounds like a tall order, but hey this is America. At least somebody is trying -- in Spain.

Prime Minister Zapatero Speaking of Gender Equality

There is no idea . . that changes things more in life . . than that of living in a country where not even one woman is marginalized, discriminated, dominated and abandoned by society.

-- Prime Minister Zapatero