Five Women Call for Greater Female Leadership in Spanish Government
Five prominent women leaders from the Canary Islands have united to advocate for more female representation in politics, aiming for a woman to lead the Spanish government.
Gathering under the banner “Las 5 Fantásticas,” the women, all of whom have chaired local councils, discussed the importance of female leadership in public service. The event, organised by Charter 100 Canarias, took place in Fuerteventura, the birthplace of the 1913 Cabildo Law pioneer, Manuel Velázquez Cabrera.
Nardy Barrios, president of Charter 100 Canaria, highlighted the significance of this rare gathering, as it marked the first time former female council presidents have come together to reflect on their experiences.
Lola García, the first female president of Fuerteventura’s Cabildo, stressed the importance of showcasing women’s efforts in politics, particularly in non-capital locations. She acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, who have paved the way for future female leaders.
“The women represent 50% of the population. We need to occupy leadership positions not just in local councils but also at regional and national levels,” said García.
The meeting also featured former Lanzarote president Inés Rojas, who praised Chana Perera, the first female leader of the Lanzarote Cabildo. Rojas advocated for positive discrimination to ensure women are prioritised in candidacy lists, noting this could explain why Lanzarote has had six female presidents.
Belén Allende emphasised the importance of the event, calling it essential for fostering collaboration among diverse women, all aiming for equal participation.
The gathering also marked the launch of Charter 100 Fuerteventura, led by Clara Peña, which focuses on empowering female leadership and encouraging dialogue and collaboration among women.
Since its founding on 8 March 2015, Charter 100 Canarias has aimed to promote equality between genders and support female professional development and entrepreneurship. The association focuses on four key areas: business, entrepreneurship, professional advancement, and leadership, highlighting women’s contributions to society.
