The gender gap in the labor market remains a stubborn challenge, with unemployment data showing a persistent disparity that has widened over time. In Alicante province, women face significantly higher unemployment than men, with 85,376 women unemployed versus 55,280 men, a gap that stands above the national average. Efforts are underway, with unions advocating stronger employment policies and corrective steps within company equity plans to address this imbalance.
The downturn caused by the Great Recession reshaped unemployment patterns. Before the crisis, men were more often listed as unemployed; after 2011, the trend flipped, and a gender gap emerged that endures today. The COVID-19 pandemic further widened this distance, raising the share of unemployed women from 42% above the 2019 level to 55% in the post-pandemic period, a rate higher than the overall national average. Current figures show 1,727,559 unemployed women compared to 1,153,821 men, a 49% higher tally for women.
Yaissel Sánchez, secretary of the UGT in l’Alacantí and Les Marines, notes that unemployment has fallen for both sexes in recent years, yet the gap remains. He observes a labor market dominated by male-dominated sectors and highlights that many of the most precarious jobs tend to be held by women.
Consolidating active employment policies is essential, as Sánchez stresses, along with a broader push to raise awareness within companies. He argues that talent should not go waste simply because women are well prepared; they should have equal opportunities. Sánchez also supports implementing equity schemes in businesses to assess each company’s reality and take steps to balance workforce representation across genders.
UGT is spearheading an awareness campaign to combat another form of gender discrimination in the labor market: the wage gap. Sánchez explains that women effectively work for free for part of the year due to the persistent salary difference compared with men.
With 6,891 unemployed in l’Alcoià, El Comtat and La Foia, female unemployment doubles that of men
Paco García, secretary of CC OO at the same border region, argues that Alicante needs a tailored plan to counter informal work and joblessness among women and young people. He describes the local business culture as a stubborn obstacle that must be confronted with decisive policies and real resources. He also believes that company‑level equality plans can help create fairer opportunities for all workers.
Regional authorities are promoting initiatives to boost women’s employment. Rocío Briones, director general of Labor and Employment and Training, oversees Avalem Dones, a program aimed at identifying underrepresented sectors and correcting gaps through public employment plans, personalized pathways, and targeted recruitment, with special attention to women workers.
Spain continues to face a challenging unemployment landscape within the European Union. The country’s overall rate sits around 12.5 percent, and CES estimates that about 1.7 million new jobs would be needed to approach the EU average of roughly 6 percent. CES notes signs of resilience in Spain’s labor market despite economic headwinds. Leading figures like Antón Costas, Arturo León, and Raymond Torres emphasized the importance of sector diversity and the agricultural export base, along with a growing role for technology in industry as potential buffers in the current climate.
In the Valencian Community, the outlook benefits from a mix of agricultural strength and a developing tech sector. Observers point to the value of targeted programs to identify sectors lacking female representation and to tailor employment supports that align with the reality of local businesses, ensuring women access to training, recruitment, and advancement opportunities. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s economic resilience while advancing gender equity in the workplace.
Across the broader national picture, analysts stress the need for policies that combine labor market activation with anti‑discrimination measures. The aim is to reduce inactivity, promote inclusive hiring, and close earnings gaps by enabling women to participate fully in skilled roles and leadership positions. This approach aligns with business realities where a diverse workforce is linked to stronger performance and sustainable growth.
As discussions continue, the region’s experience underscores the importance of pairing economic strategies with social programs. By supporting women through education, training, and equitable pay, communities can harness talent that might otherwise remain underutilized. The ongoing work by unions and government bodies reflects a shared commitment to building a labor market that offers real opportunity for everyone, regardless of gender. [Citation: UGT regional statements, CC OO regional statements, CES findings]