Spanish government launches plan for women

The Spanish government last month introduced a series of policies designed to improve the position of women in society.

The 53 separate measures cover three main areas: improving the employment prospects of women in central and regional government; promoting the position of women more generally in employment; and action against violence directed against women.

For Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, vice president of the socialist government, it is "53 steps towards full equality for women".

In central government the proposals, which are dependent on the agreement of the unions, aim specifically to help women advance. They allow reduced working time (at proportionately lower pay) for those looking after children under 12; the general limit is children under six. Individuals can also ask for flexible hours.

In the area of promotion, 40% of the courses for managers are reserved for women. And at least 40% of the positions on examination boards in central government should be allocated to women.

In terms of employment more generally the proposals include plans to favour the employment of women when public contracts are awarded and to give incentives to companies which employ a higher number of women in managerial positions, or as directors.

The unions share the government's view that women face discrimination at work. But they draw attention to the fact that so far it has not introduced the legislation on equality of treatment required by EU directives.