The Minister of Equality, Ana Redondo, has called for the reinforcement of equality plans in companies in response to the stance of the United States government under Donald Trump.
This was highlighted during the event ‘Equality in the Company: Commitment of the Present and Future’, held at the Ministry of Economy on the occasion of 8M, International Women’s Day. The Minister advocated for public policies that would bring about an economy with equality in an «agile» manner and «within a reasonable period of time.» «We cannot wait,» she pointed out.
In the same vein, she referred to the US government’s intention to penalize companies with equality plans. «This caught the attention of the President of the Government, who indicated that we needed this social debate, this economic debate, this business debate,» she explained.
On February 11, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, announced during the interparliamentary meeting in the Congress of the Socialist group that he would request American companies based in Spain to fulfill their commitments to diversity and inclusion. This announcement came after learning from «international press» that «major American companies linked to consultancy, operating in Spain, are planning to abandon their diversity and inclusion objectives.»
Additionally, Redondo defended the profitability and improved competitiveness brought by the inclusion of women in companies. «From the perspective of companies, I believe that there are numerous studies that demonstrate the profitability and improved competitiveness that comes with the inclusion of women in teams, both in staff and in management teams,» she stated.
She also emphasized that «an economy without equality cannot be defended.» Furthermore, she noted that the inclusion of women in companies mirrors the society they serve, retains talent, and is crucial in establishing consumer domains.
Moreover, the Minister of Equality stated that women are «decisive» in establishing consumption habits or making decisions regarding consumption. «We represent 51% of the population, we are not a minority, and therefore, we should be equally represented in all areas,» she emphasized.
Conclusively, Redondo advocated for the «strengthening» of the commitment to equality in companies, emphasizing the «essential» nature of public-private collaboration. «We are a diverse society, and this diversity must also be reflected in companies,» she concluded.
In a related development, the Minister of Economy, Carlos Cuerpo, who also participated in the event, stated that «there is no reason or justification for not advancing, for not achieving gender equality.» However, he cautioned against falling into a «false optimism» regarding the progress made in this area and urged for continued efforts with a high level of ambition.
He also highlighted social measures implemented by the government in recent years for equality: the increase in the Minimum Interprofessional Salary, pension raises, labor reform, paternity and maternity leave, and the Parity Law.
«We know that we have not reached where we want to be. The concepts of the glass ceiling and sticky floor are still present. Involuntary bias, the continued presence in management positions, and of course, the gender pay gap. We need to keep working, but I believe we all understand that the path is worth it, and what awaits us beyond are rewards and benefits for everyone, both companies and workers, as well as the country, as the Minister of Equality mentioned, so let’s go for it,» he concluded.
FUENTE