Barcelona stands as a leader in gender equality policy, embedding feminist principles and the gender perspective into municipal governance. Since 2015, the city has pursued a comprehensive gender mainstreaming strategy, ensuring that gender equity is central to all public policies and services. This commitment is reflected in its regulatory frameworks, dedicated administrative bodies, and proactive initiatives to foster equal opportunities for everyone.
Barcelona Gender Equality Administrative Facilities and Services
Barcelona City Council has established robust administrative structures to support gender equality. The city’s Regulations for Gender Equity, enacted in 2019, mandate the presence of dedicated bodies responsible for managing networks of information, advice, training, and assistance services for women. These bodies are tasked with raising gender awareness, promoting women’s personal and social advancement, and combating all forms of gender discrimination and violence.
Every area and district of the city, as well as public companies and autonomous bodies, must have municipal staff trained in gender-equality policies. These staff members act as reference points to ensure the consistent application of gender mainstreaming across all municipal operations. Facilities also include breastfeeding spaces, adapted furniture, and ongoing training for municipal staff to integrate the gender perspective into daily operations.
Employment Opportunities
Barcelona has taken significant steps to promote equal opportunities in the workplace. The city’s Plan for Gender Justice (2021–2025) and initiatives like the Lidera strategy, launched by Barcelona Activa, focus on supporting women’s entrepreneurship and increasing the presence of women in managerial roles—positions traditionally dominated by men. These strategies aim to remove barriers to career advancement and business creation for women, fostering an inclusive labor market.
Since 2016, over 6,300 municipal employees have received gender-related training, and more than 1,500 gender clauses have been included in municipal procurement processes to ensure fair practices. These measures help create a supportive environment for women’s professional growth and reinforce gender equity in public employment.
Specific Information
Barcelona’s gender mainstreaming strategy is comprehensive and data-driven. Key accomplishments include:
- Compilation of 130 gender impact reports since 2016, with nearly 85% of the city’s budget analyzed for its effect on gender inequalities.
- Establishment of 38 active Gender Mainstreaming Units (UTG) across all municipal areas by 2022, with 51 reference figures ensuring implementation and oversight.
- A dramatic increase in participatory processes incorporating the gender perspective, rising from 3% in 2017 to 69% in 2021.
- The city’s LGBTI Centre offers pioneering support, advice, and resources for sexual and gender diversity, while the Office for Non-Discrimination provides legal assistance and training to combat all forms of discrimination.
Barcelona also promotes intersectionality, recognizing multiple, overlapping forms of inequality, and ensures inclusive communication and public participation in policy-making.
Barcelona Gender Equality Summary
Barcelona’s approach to gender equality is holistic, institutionalized, and continually evolving. Through regulatory frameworks, specialized administrative services, and targeted employment initiatives, the city embeds gender equity into all facets of governance and public life. This ongoing commitment positions Barcelona as a benchmark for other cities aiming to create a fairer, more inclusive society for all residents.
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