Nadia Calviño has decided not to photograph herself at events where she is the only woman. On the eve of March 8, the first vice president explains to La Vanguardia that she will demonstrate and that she hopes that the coalition government will reach an agreement to reform the law of only yes is yes. Next Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approves the draft parity law to promote the incorporation of more women into the decision-making centers of companies. The Minister of Economy considers that there is no time to lose.
This week 8M is celebrated. A year ago, you announced that you would no longer take pictures at events where you were the only woman.
I continue to apply it and this week we have had a situation in which we have had to point it out. Although it is a gesture, it helps to change perception, to make visible and give voice; to reflect the importance that women have. We have come a long way but the resistance and the lack of understanding that I encounter sometimes show us that there is still a lot to do.
The President of the Government announced yesterday that it would be adopted by law that listed companies or public interest entities have 40% women in their management. Is it necessary to regulate it by law?
We have come a long way in gender equality but the presence of women on the boards of directors of listed companies in Spain does not reach 30%, and it does not even reach 20% in the case of senior management. There is no time to lose to achieve a balanced presence in decision-making spheres. Hence the need for this bill, which sets the target of 40%, with a realistic schedule. We must take full advantage of female talent, for reasons of social justice and economic efficiency.
The 8M arrives when there is a strong division in the government coalition. Will the differences on the “only yes is yes” law also be reflected on the street?
I hope not, because we have to stick together. I believe that the feminist agenda is an agenda that has to unite men and women, because it is an agenda to improve human rights, democratic quality and social progress. And from that point of view, I hope that all of us, men and women, will demonstrate on 8M with the double objective of celebrating what has already been achieved and of continuing to move forward.
How will the crisis caused by this law be solved?
We are a feminist government committed to the protection of women. The "law of yes is yes" is positive and necessary. If an error or deficiency is detected in light of the interpretation that the judges are making of the law, it must be resolved as soon as possible. It is clear that nobody expected this interpretation to occur, but if it is detected, it must be resolved.
Are you going to demonstrate on 8M?
Yes, I go every year and I hope we will all see each other there.
