On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved a law focused on equal representation in decision making, a move led by the Minister for Equality. Ana Redondo described the measure as a statement of intent. Despite the effort, equality remains distant and the glass ceiling persists. The latest data from the National Institute of Statistics show that in 2022 women held 21.73 percent of senior management roles excluding directors, totaling 218 positions. This marks a 2 percent increase from 2021, which itself rose from 2020. Yet the target remains far from reached. With the elections on July 23, the goal of 40 percent women across government boards, large corporate boards, electoral candidates, and constitutional bodies continues to loom large. The law aims to push for 40 percent female representation in leadership roles across companies and organizations with more than 250 employees and assets exceeding €50 million. The executive branch has already faced a call from the EU Council, which in late 2022 approved a European directive mandating that at least 40 percent of non executive directors on listed companies be women by 2026. This directive is considered a proactive step toward greater gender balance in leadership.
Council directive 2022
women in leadership on Ibex 35
As for the Ibex 35 index, there are 98 women in its senior management, representing 23.17 percent of the total. This percentage rose by just one point in the past year. Women hold influential roles in both high revenue and lower revenue companies. Among firms with annual revenue around €500 million, women account for 20.20 percent of leadership, while those with slightly higher figures show 21.05 percent. These variations illustrate that company size does not guarantee equality in top ranks.
Citation EU Council 2022
Recent data indicate two companies in the Spanish benchmark have no women in senior management in 2022: Acerinox and Naturgy. Acciona boasted the largest number of women in senior roles among the top firms, with 12 officers, though this represented only 26.09 percent of the total leadership. Aena stood out with 66.67 percent women in top posts, followed by Inmobiliaria Colonial at 50 percent. In total, last year only five of Spain’s top listed companies surpassed the 40 percent mark for women in senior management.
leadership statistics 2022
The timetable for implementing the new rule varies by company size. For the 35 largest market capitalization companies, compliance begins on June 30, 2024. Firms with capital above €500 million must comply by June 30, 2025. Companies with smaller revenues have more time, with a deadline of June 30, 2026. Large but unlisted companies are required to reach 33 percent female representation by that date, with a gradual increase to 40 percent by the end of June 2028.
Citation EU Council 2022
12 female ministers versus 10 male ministers
Whichever party leads the government, the law requires equal representation for each gender in ministerial appointments. Each gender should account for about 40 percent of implementation across the government. Currently, the cabinet includes 12 female ministers and 10 male ministers. In Congress, the numbers shift to 196 men and 154 women, a distribution that nevertheless shows women meeting the target through other institutions.
composition data 2022
The reform applies to all electoral processes, including general, regional, and municipal elections, as well as island councils and European Parliament seats. It also covers Senate candidate lists, which will require alternating gender representation.
Citation electoral reform record 2022
Finally, the law extends to individuals serving in the highest and administrative bodies, such as State Undersecretaries and general directorates. The rule ensures no gender exceeds 60 percent or falls below 40 percent within every ministry. The same balance applies to the corporate public sector. Equality will also be mandated in the boards of directors for professional associations and general councils, with compliance required starting June 30, 2026.
and policy directives 2022