An expansion of the working day to include an additional hour for parenting and caregiving was proposed in the Administration, available upon request by men, alongside a ban on Generalitat subcontracting in low-wage sectors historically dominated by women—such as cleaning, cooking, and laundry—in schools and public hospitals. This initiative forms two of the principal innovations in the preliminary draft of the Valencia Gender Equality Act, unveiled recently by Mónica Oltra, the vice-president of the Generalitat Valenciana. The proposed legislation also aims to preserve gender parity within the Consell and to broaden access for underrepresented genders in certain trades and professions.
With this announcement, the leader of Compromís remains resolute about continuing governance of her department and the Ministry of Equality and Inclusive Policies. Despite facing a notably challenging period as a regional government figure, she presses ahead. The prosecution is pursuing three alleged crimes linked to an alleged cover-up in a custodial minor abuse case, while opponents press her party to resign as momentum grows for a leadership change.
The vice-president supported the preliminary draft of the Gender Equality Act during a moment marked by differing views on repeal and the coalition with Botànic, including PSPV-PSOE. The law also touches on prostitution and replacement policies, with Minister of Justice Gabriela Bravo proposing sanctions up to 60,000 euros for brothels. Oltra challenged this proposal, arguing that it would assume powers that are not theirs to exercise.
Oltra responds to Bravo’s approach on prostitution and anti-slavery norms
Presenting the preliminary draft of the Gender Equality Act, Oltra reminded observers that the anti-slavery proposal backed by socialists would push for stronger action and would tie it to broader immigration policy. “This makes sense,” said the Minister for Equality, replying to Bravo’s call for a comprehensive law to eradicate prostitution in Spain and pointing to perceived inconsistencies in the coalition’s stance over the past month. She added that migrant women in precarious situations must not be left without protection.
Following the submission of the draft by the Inclusive Policies portfolio, other ministries will have time to present arguments if they see fit. Yet Compromís stresses alignment with the coalition’s agreed framework and the axes laid out by the pact. Oltra noted the possibility that the bill could eventually become law: “If it does not pass in the legislature, it will find a route in the next session. We are hopeful it will be enacted. The path depends on procedural steps, and the engagement process has already endured a long rhythm shaped by the pandemic and now by war.”
In the text published yesterday, it is stated that companies or organizations outsourcing kitchen, cleaning, and laundry services within the hospitality sector will be barred from public tender procedures or from receiving public funding and subsidies. Future legislation is designed to reward companies that win public tenders through gender equality and inclusivity measures. The draft also proposes a 32-hour workweek and introduces a module on gender equality in vocational training programs that have traditionally been male-dominated.