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Sunday March 8 marks International Women's Day in Spain, a time to celebrate progress while facing ongoing challenges. Though positive steps have been taken, a new DYM Institute survey (a Barcelona-based market research agency) shows we're not quite there yet on gender equality.

 

This fresh survey by the DYM Institute paints a sobering picture on gender equality in Spain, with four in ten people saying it's yet to be achieved in any part of society. Women feel this gap keenly, especially on safety: 42% say they do not feel safe walking alone at night in their own neighbourhood, nearly double the rate for men where 72% feel secure. Released ahead of International Women's Day, the poll from January 15 to 18 quizzed 1,000 Spaniards on issues like street safety, harassment and equality progress.

 

The divide shows up starkly elsewhere too. Women are more likely to see unfinished business in workplaces (42.9% versus 30.8% of men), politics (40.4% to 31.9%) and even home life (40.9% to 31.2%). Younger folks aged 18-35 are the most upbeat, with over 60% believing enough has been done across the board. For those 46-75, that optimism dips to 55%. Interestingly, older women aged 66-75 feel safer on streets than younger ones, at 33.8%.

 

Sexual harassment remains a worry, with 5.2% of women reporting it in the last year. That jumps to 13.5% for ages 18-35 and hits 14.8% in rural spots.

 

In Madrid, the Feminist Movement is rallying for March 8 under the slogan "Neither veiled, nor exploited, nor prostituted". Their demo starts at noon from Gran Vía to Plaza de España, focusing on women and girls amid "patriarchal barbarity" like wars and domestic violence. Spokesperson Lourdes Borrás stressed it's "the only one that focuses on the rights of women and girls". A parallel 8M Commission event runs from Atocha roundabout to Sevilla Street.

 

Speakers Ana de Blas, Borrás and Afghan journalist Khadija Amin decried oppression from prostitution and veils to global regimes in places like Afghanistan and Iran. They push for public care systems, migrant rights and closing the pay gap. Ana de Blas urged Equality Minister Ana Redondo to prioritise legislation, noting her Valladolid attendance over Madrid.

 

As marches approach, the survey highlights real everyday hurdles for women here. It's a timely reminder that equality still needs work.

 

 

Image: digital representation