Much of the country’s society has left outdated attitudes behind. But business is yet to catch up.
In 1997 Ana Orentes appeared on a Spanish television show to describe decades of vicious abuse by her husband: wild jealousy, beatings and isolation from her friends and family. Two weeks later she was found tied to a chair and burned to death by the man she had denounced. Spain was shocked not only by her murder, but also by the fact that she had called the police many times, to no avail.
and, while passing out medals, Rubiales, the head of the RFEF, Spain’s football federation, grabbed the back of her head, pulled her towards him and planted his mouth on hers. A “peck”, he later said, and consensual.the country still is, say many Spanish feminists. But the uproar can also be taken as an example of just how feminist the country has become.
Political progress is reflected, though unevenly, in society. The press extensively reports on gender violence, and the radio frequently reminds women of the hotline they can call to report it. The streets fill with huge demonstrations on March 8, International Women’s Day. Sexual freedom for women and men is taken for granted. Last year a law banned street harassment, in the country once known for theIsabel Díaz Ayuso has called Rubiales’s behaviour “disgraceful”.
But being locked in a conservative bastion is a good metaphor for the reaction of the Spanish football federation. On August 25 Rubiales gave a speech in which he was widely expected to resign. Instead, he declared his refusal to do so, blaming a “false feminism” for the predicament he was in. The audience that heartily applauded him included the trainers of the women’s and men’s national teams, leading to calls for them to quit too.Spanish sport is not unusually sexist.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New footage of World Cup kiss contradicts Spanish football chief’s claimsNew footage of World Cup kiss contradicts Spanish chief’s claims
Read more »
Uncle’s criticism of Luis Rubiales suggests split in Spanish football chief’s familyAs mother ends hunger strike in support of son, uncle says nephew’s World Cup behaviour was ‘shameful’
Read more »
Rubiales’ speech was embarrassing and shameful. That’s when we said: ‘It’s over’I spoke up against the Spanish federation in 2015 and never played for the national team again. Now we need real change
Read more »
The estranged son who ended up in control of Picasso’s millionsClaude Picasso, the son of legendary Spanish painter Pablo, has died, after a lifetime protecting his father’s estate.
Read more »