Acting President of Aragón, Jorge Azcón, took the opportunity of International Women’s Day to highlight the crucial role of pioneering women in the region. During a commemorative event, Azcón emphasized the legacy of figures like Ana María Cortés, the first female councilor of the Government of Aragón, and reaffirmed the institutional commitment to gender equality.
The Legacy of Ana María Cortés in Aragonese Politics
During the event, Azcón paid tribute to Ana María Cortés, who in 1987 broke barriers by becoming the first female councilor of the Government of Aragón. Cortés, who recently passed away, led the departments of Health, Social Welfare, and Labor, setting a precedent for other women in political leadership roles in the region. Her career was highlighted as an inspiring example for future generations of Aragonese women aspiring to hold positions of power.
President Azcón emphasized how Cortés’s legacy has facilitated women’s access to positions of responsibility, including presidents of the Cortes, mayors, and heads of Justice, underlining the importance of continuing to promote equal opportunities in the political sphere.
Persistent Challenges in the Labor Market
Azcón also addressed the challenges that women still face in the Aragonese labor market. He pointed out that the wage gap, lower representation in academic, scientific, and sports sectors, and gender-based violence are issues that require ongoing attention. In terms of employment, he highlighted that over 31,000 women are registered with employment offices, representing 60% of the total unemployed in the region. Although the difference between male and female unemployment has decreased to 11,732 people, the lowest figure since February 2016, it remains a concerning area.
Regarding Social Security affiliation, over 291,000 women are registered, making up 46% of the total in Aragón. These figures reflect both the progress made and the challenges that remain in the pursuit of effective labor equality.
Promoting Female Entrepreneurship
President Azcón highlighted the need to address the inequality in self-employment and entrepreneurship. Currently, of the 97,643 people registered in the self-employment scheme, only 34,700 are women, representing 35.5%. Azcón described this imbalance as a reflection of the barriers that women face in starting and consolidating business projects.
Promoting female entrepreneurship is not only a matter of social justice but also a key strategy for economic growth and innovation in Aragón. Azcón urged the implementation of policies that facilitate women’s access to resources and opportunities in the business arena, stressing that support for female entrepreneurship is essential for building a more equitable and dynamic economy.
