The delegate of the Andalusian Regional Government in Almeria, Aránzazu Martín, accompanied by the provincial coordinator of the IAM in the province, María del Mar Esparza, has announced the measures implemented by the Andalusian Regional Government to promote real equality, which have been discussed in the Governing Council, as well as the campaign for International Women’s Day, on the occasion of the commemoration of 8 March. «A campaign that vindicates the milestones and achievements reached in terms of equality between women and men, while at the same time encouraging us to continue advancing and changing history».
This year the slogan ‘Mujeres Por Bandera’ (Women on the Flag) is maintained due to the strength of its message, as it focuses on the legacy, talent, leadership and empowerment of Andalusian women. Aránzazu Martín announced various actions that the Governing Council has taken on the occasion of International Women’s Month.
The Government Delegate highlighted the forthcoming signing of the «first Andalusian pact for work-life balance and joint responsibility, which seeks to promote gender equality and equal opportunities in Andalusia». «The main objective is to harmonise the work, personal and family life of the Andalusian population, as the lack of work-life balance and co-responsibility is a clear impediment to achieving real and effective equality». To this end, the Andalusian Government will work hand in hand with the Andalusian Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FAMP).
Martín also highlighted the approval by the Governing Council of the «Draft Law of the Statute of Rural and Marine Women of Andalusia, pioneering legislation in Spain that includes professionals in the fishing sector and which represents a historic step forward in achieving real equality between men and women in agri-food and fishing activity in Andalusia». «The final objective of the Statute for Rural and Marine Women of Andalusia is to eliminate the structural, economic, administrative and social barriers that hinder the participation of women with the same professional opportunities as men».
On the other hand, the delegate explained that «the Andalusian Executive has also ratified the first Equality Plan for personnel in the service of the Justice Administration, which includes measures so that maternity and paternity leave does not penalise promotion, facilities to make the working day more flexible to care for children or dependents without having to ask for a reduction in it, and protocols to prevent, report and act in cases of harassment, discrimination based on sex or gender violence.»
Activities 8-M
The provincial coordinator of the IAM, María del Mar Esparza, has announced the numerous activities organised for International Women’s Month in the province of Almería. Esparza has detailed activities such as the «Tango Therapy» workshop, organised by the Provincial Centre. «This is an emotional workshop for vulnerable women as part of the Mentoring programme,» explained the provincial coordinator.
Esparza explained that on 7 March at 10:00 a visit will be made to the Provincial Centre of the Zurgena Women’s Association. Afterwards, at 10:30 at the IAM headquarters, Elena Huete’s novel «Paz en busca de H» (Peace in search of H) will be presented. At 20:00, at the same place, there will be a conference of AJE en femenino (Association of Young Women Entrepreneurs), which will be attended by the vice-president of CASI, Bienvenida Pérez.
On 8 March, the reading of the Institutional Manifesto will take place at the Government Delegation, and a Violet Point will be set up with information on IAM resources with campaign material and a 900 line of the Andalusian Regional Government. Esparza explained that «we will also organise together with the Town Council of Albox the activities on the occasion of the «8th March». We will install another Violet Point aimed at schools, we will visit the new women’s information centre, co-financed by the Andalusian Regional Government, and we will attend an Equality Day with Rocío Juárez as the protagonist».
The IAM coordinator explained that «at 17:00 we will hold the round table-colloquium «Women and sport: Women’s handball», at the provincial centre, where the regional delegate of the Andalusian Handball Federation will attend». In the afternoon we will go to the La Salle-Virgen del Mar educational centre to participate in the activity «Solidarity Rhythm» together with the Wolfram Association. And at 19:30 we will join the civil society demonstration on the occasion of 8-M».
The IAM has detailed that «on 10 March they will join in the celebration of International Women’s Day in the municipality of Benahadux and will go to the centre for active participation Hogar II in the capital, to inform its users of the resources available to the Andalusian Women’s Institute.
In addition, Esparza concludes, «the IAM has collaborated in the numerous activities organised by the women’s centres in Huércal-Overa, Vélez-Rubio, Los Gallardos, Albox, Cuevas del Almanzora, Macael, Vícar and Roquetas de Mar».
Coordination meeting
This presentation took place at the provincial headquarters of the Andalusian Regional Government Women’s Institute, where an extended coordination meeting was also organised to analyse and study the different actions that the Andalusian Regional Government has in place across all the territorial delegations, so that all the resources and services provided by each of these institutions are known.