SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 13th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Today, on Saturday, the second edition of the Belarmina Martínez González Feminist School was inaugurated in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The Secretary of State for Equality and the Fight against Violence towards Women, Aina Calvo, along with the Secretary of Organization of the PSOE Canary Islands, Nira Fierro, led the opening event. This school serves as a platform for discussions on the feminist agenda pursued by the Government of Spain.
Prior to the commencement of the event at the headquarters of the Socialist Group of La Laguna (Tenerife), the Secretary of State highlighted the PSOE’s continuous efforts in combating gender violence since its inception. Initiatives like the Law against Gender Violence and the State Pact signed by all parliamentary groups in 2004 demonstrate their ongoing commitment. Aina Calvo affirmed the dedication to working tirelessly towards preventing any further victims. She mentioned that an extraordinary session of the State Observatory of Gender Violence would be chaired by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, to analyse the current situation and strategize on enhancing protection, prevention, victim care, and awareness-raising efforts.
Calvo emphasised the importance of educating boys and girls on gender equality and combatting disparities in the workforce, such as the disproportionate rate of women taking on part-time contracts. She underlined the need for further measures to achieve gender equality, including shared parental leave and reinforced minimum income to enhance women’s freedom and autonomy.
The Secretary of State criticised cuts in equality initiatives, the elimination of Equality Departments, and reduced budgets in this area as counterproductive. She urged for a deeper reflection on addressing structural violence against women.
Secretary of Organization of the PSOE Canary Islands, Nira Fierro, highlighted the party’s feminist stance and commitment to crucial issues like ending prostitution and pornography. Fierro commended the Ministry of Equality being transferred back to the Socialist Party, expressing hope for progress in women’s rights.
FORUM FOR DISCUSSION AND EDUCATION
Fierro described the Feminist School as a forum for discussion, education, and critical thinking, especially important in the Canary Islands due to its concerning gender violence statistics. She advocated for strengthened public efforts to eliminate sexism and achieve true equality.
Fierro criticised the current Government’s budget cuts towards the Canary Institute of Equality, deeming it unacceptable. She reassured that the Socialist Party would continue to prioritise women’s issues and advocate for their rights.
