Equality is the key to success. According to various studies, fewer than 30% of women hold management positions. However, in terms of education, women outnumber men by percentage. In turn, according to the UGT report “Equal work, equal pay,” there are significant differences in terms of salaries.
The difference between what men and women in Spain earn for work of equal value stood at 23.93% at the end of 2012, the highest rate in the last five years. This means that, to receive a pension of the same amount, a woman would need to work 11 and a half years longer than a man in a job of equal value.
In addition to these data from the report “Present and future of women on boards of directors, 2015” with figures as of December 31, 2014, it was found that 2014 ended with a total of 79 female board members among the 35 companies that made up the Ibex as of December 31—17.34% of the 467 board members. Are we then talking about effective equality?
Official statistics from the Institute for Women record the number of men and women who each year request leave to care for family members. This percentage among women increased by one percentage point between 2005 and 2008. Whereas previously it was 84%, now it is 85%. In absolute terms, in 2013 (the latest year available), 5,703 women requested leave to care for dependents (the elderly or sick), compared with 989 men. The difference is even greater when the leave is to care for children. That same year, 26,497 women requested it, compared with 1,541 men.
These figures are an example that helps us realize that, despite the progress made, equality between women and men in everyday life is still not a reality. In practice, women and men do not enjoy the same rights. It is a matter of numbers. They are there, and we have to change them.
Work-life balance is essential here. Although we have taken giant steps in this area, we still lag behind in many respects. Many women prioritize their professional careers over their family lives. And this cannot be the case. Work-life balance is not a women’s issue; it is an issue for both men and women. Work-life balance can only work if men and women are equally committed to it.
We must bear in mind that in today’s and tomorrow’s world, genuine equality between women and men is also the key to our economic and social success. Let us continue to support equality and work-life balance.
Equality is the key to success
Equality is the key to success. According to various studies, fewer than 30% of women hold management positions. However, in terms of education, women outnumber men by percentage. In turn, according to the UGT report “Equal work, equal pay,” there are significant differences in terms of salaries.
The difference between what men and women in Spain earn for work of equal value stood at 23.93% at the end of 2012, the highest rate in the last five years. This means that, to receive a pension of the same amount, a woman would need to work 11 and a half years longer than a man in a job of equal value.
In addition to these data from the report “Present and future of women on boards of directors, 2015” with figures as of December 31, 2014, it was found that 2014 ended with a total of 79 female board members among the 35 companies that made up the Ibex as of December 31—17.34% of the 467 board members. Are we then talking about effective equality?
Official statistics from the Institute for Women record the number of men and women who each year request leave to care for family members. This percentage among women increased by one percentage point between 2005 and 2008. Whereas previously it was 84%, now it is 85%. In absolute terms, in 2013 (the latest year available), 5,703 women requested leave to care for dependents (the elderly or sick), compared with 989 men. The difference is even greater when the leave is to care for children. That same year, 26,497 women requested it, compared with 1,541 men.
These figures are an example that helps us realize that, despite the progress made, equality between women and men in everyday life is still not a reality. In practice, women and men do not enjoy the same rights. It is a matter of numbers. They are there, and we have to change them.
Work-life balance is essential here. Although we have taken giant steps in this area, we still lag behind in many respects. Many women prioritize their professional careers over their family lives. And this cannot be the case. Work-life balance is not a women’s issue; it is an issue for both men and women. Work-life balance can only work if men and women are equally committed to it.
We must bear in mind that in today’s and tomorrow’s world, genuine equality between women and men is also the key to our economic and social success. Let us continue to support equality and work-life balance.
