By Isabel García Aguilar / GICJ
The meeting started with tragic news -- a new women killed because of gender-based violence, being the 17th of this year. On the 16th of May 2023, during its 85th Session, the Committee on the Elimination of discrimination against women (CEDAW) discussed the ninth report of the Kingdom of Spain, which includes actions from 2015 to March 2022.
Even though the Spanish ombudsman and the Experts acknowledged and welcomed efforts made by Spain, especially those legal and legislative developments, both expressed their concern about the remaining gender-based violence, the territorial differences, and the lack of psychosocial services.
Many of the questions raised by the Committee Experts related to the intersectional approach in the strategies and laws of the country. Spain replied by explaining the measures taken to tackle this reality, such as the elimination of requirements, as the necessity of filing a complaint.
The Spanish delegation also admitted a gap in the number of women and girls in science, technology, and mathematics, but highlighted the measures taken, such as the new law on education (LOMLOE). Furthermore, Spain is committed to sex education at every stage of life, as it believes it will help to fight against gender-based violence and will prevent unwanted pregnancies and transmission of STDs, and a better understanding of menstrual health.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) welcomes the efforts made by the Kingdom of Spain to empower women in society, especially those related to legislatives advances and the increase of women in high positions. However, we remain concerned by the news learnt today, as it shows that Spain must take important steps to finally end with gender-based violence, since no more women should die because of it.
A full report will be available soon.
Spain, CEDAW, 85th session, Gender based violence, Geneva International Centre for Justice
