Spain is projected to reach gender equality in the next several decades, with analysts estimating a timeline that could extend toward 2056 if current trends persist. When the present pace is sustained, the gap between men and women in the labor market is expected to narrow gradually, but not vanish quickly. In recent forecasts, the timeline had nudged earlier to 2058, yet the trajectory remains similar to 2020 results. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted progress by pausing or reversing some gains, and the current outlook reflects that partial setback, alongside renewed momentum in areas where women have gained leadership presence. In economic terms, the persistent discrimination between genders continues to affect national productivity, with potential annual losses estimated at 212,179 million euros, or about 17.6% of GDP in 2021, were the gap to persist unchecked. These figures underscore the macroeconomic stakes tied to gender parity.
The study behind these projections is produced by a consortium of corporate and institutional partners. Participating organizations include Merck, Repsol, Mapfre, BMW, Mahou San Miguel and Solán de Cabras, PwC, CaixaBank, Grupo Social ONCE, Kreab, Fundación CEOE, and Telefónica. The research examines five intersecting domains: employment, health, digitalization, education, and reconciliation of work with personal life. Across these domains, employment and reconciliation emerge as the areas where the gender gap remains most pronounced, signaling where policy and corporate action should focus next.
In the employment domain, the alignment between genders remains uneven. After a temporary improvement linked to the reopening of economies, the difference in participation and wages between men and women remains meaningful. Women have made strides into leadership roles in private companies, contributing to a modest reduction in the pay gap and in some retirement-related disparities. Nevertheless, precarious or unstable employment—more prevalent among women—limits the full realization of these gains. In contrast, male participation in the workforce has not advanced at the same pace in certain sectors, contributing to a slower overall convergence. The study notes that job security and access to stable contracts continue to be a decisive factor in closing the divide.
Education and digitalization show a smaller, yet persistent, gap. While the difference in educational attainment and digital literacy has narrowed to under 30%, access remains uneven in some contexts. The share of students pursuing STEM fields shows progress, but women are still underrepresented relative to men in these technically oriented paths. The result is a continued gender imbalance in high-growth sectors that rely on digital and technological competencies, even as overall educational outcomes improve for both genders.
impact on health
The health and wellness category records the most pronounced reduction in the gender gap, tightening to around 16% between the sexes. However, researchers highlight that progress in health equity is uneven and sensitive to broader social determinants. There are concerns that risks of poverty and reduced access to preventive care can erode gains in women’s health, diminishing life expectancy advantages observed in prior years. The leadership of health systems and social support networks plays a crucial role in aligning health outcomes with improvements seen in other domains. The study’s leadership, including figures from Merck Healthcare, emphasizes that reconciliation and support for caregivers are essential to sustaining health gains for women and reducing the overall gap.
As the analysis indicates, there has been a slight uptick in the time both sexes have for leisure, yet women continue to experience less discretionary time than men. This disparity in leisure and personal time contributes to broader health and well-being differences, influencing stress, recovery, and overall quality of life. The report notes that societal expectations, caregiving duties, and access to flexible work arrangements all shape how much free time women can secure, often at the expense of their health and personal development. Stakeholders argue that targeted policies and workplace practices can help rebalance time use and support healthier lives for everyone. Per the report, continued focus on flexible scheduling, parental leave, and affordable caregiving options could further narrow the gap without harming economic productivity.
Overall, the findings stress that gender parity is not merely a moral or social objective; it is a strategic element of national prosperity. The authors call for sustained cooperation among government bodies, private firms, and civil society to accelerate progress in the domains where gaps linger most. The path forward involves measurable actions—improved representation in leadership, secure employment opportunities for women, broader access to STEM education, and stronger supports for health and well-being. As nations like Spain chart their course toward greater equality, the implications extend beyond equity to broader social and economic resilience over the coming decades. The dialogue among policymakers, corporate leaders, and communities is expected to intensify, with new benchmarks and transparent reporting shaping the next phase of reform and investment.