A recent report by Barcelona City Council, Gender in Figures, sheds light on the persistent structural inequalities faced by women in the city. The findings highlight disparities in safety, poverty, health, and the labour market, painting a stark picture of the challenges women encounter daily.
Safety and harassment
The report reveals alarming statistics about safety and harassment in Barcelona. Over half of 17- and 18-year-old girls report experiencing sexual harassment. While men are more frequently victims of violent crimes involving physical force (58.7% compared to 48.4% of women), women are disproportionately affected by harassment in public spaces. On public transport, 28.6% of women report harassment compared to 23.6% of men. Similarly, women are more likely to face harassment in shops (14.1% versus 9.3%).
This sense of insecurity undermines women’s freedom and highlights the need for targeted interventions to ensure safety in public spaces.
Poverty and financial disparities
Poverty in Barcelona disproportionately affects women, with significant disparities in income and housing. Among single-person households, 40.5% of women face a risk of poverty, compared to 29.4% of men. Women’s part-time employment rate (26.4%) is more than double that of men (12.9%), and the gender pay gap exceeds 17%.
Women also face significant challenges in retirement. Pension payments to women are, on average, €600 lower than those received by men. Housing inequalities compound these issues: 59.4% of men own their homes compared to 53.5% of women, while women are more likely to rent (43.1% versus 37.7%). Financial insecurity has also led one in four women to struggle with heating their homes adequately in 2021.
Health and mental well-being
Health inequalities between men and women in Barcelona are stark. Over 31% of women suffer from mental health disorders, compared to 21.6% of men. This disparity is reflected in the use of psychotropic drugs, with 23% of women relying on these medications versus 12.8% of men.
Women from disadvantaged backgrounds report poorer health outcomes and higher levels of loneliness. These findings underline the need for more accessible mental health services tailored to women’s needs.
Labour market inequality
Gender segregation in Barcelona’s labour market remains pronounced. Men dominate industries such as construction, transport, and manufacturing, while women are concentrated in healthcare, education, and personal services. Leadership roles reflect similar inequalities, with women holding just 40.6% of these positions.
Educational choices further reinforce this divide. Men are more likely to pursue technical studies after compulsory education, while women gravitate towards care-related fields. This early divergence limits opportunities for women in higher-paying sectors.
Declining birth rates and shifting norms
The birth rate in Barcelona has declined to 29.7 births per 1,000 women. At the same time, younger generations, particularly girls, are exploring diverse sexual orientations and rejecting traditional heteronormative expectations. This shift reflects broader societal changes but also highlights the importance of inclusivity and visibility for non-heteronormative identities.
Also read: The impact of paternity leave on birth rates in Spain
Steps towards equality
The Barcelona City Council aims to integrate a gender perspective into all municipal policies. During the report’s presentation, officials emphasised their commitment to reducing gender inequality. Planned initiatives include incorporating gender equality into all policy areas and fostering dialogue among different community groups.
While these measures are promising, the report underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address the pervasive inequalities women face in Barcelona.