Spain
A number of measures in Spain follow the European recommendations on the inclusion of immigrants. One example is the "National Programme for the Asylum, Migration and Integration European Fund" (2014-2020). It has set, among others, the following objectives: To establish and develop integration strategies that cover different aspects of the dynamic bidirectional process with the host society. They take into account the integration needs of third-country nationals and address the specific needs of different types of migrants. Of note, this Programme contemplated the possibility of specific measures for migrant women.
Moreover, it is worth mentioning the "State Pact against Gender Violence", approved in 2017, which transfers to Spain the responsibility of implementing the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). The purpose is to guarantee the system’s improvement and perfecting, in order to eradicate gender violence, regardless of the political party in power. This Pact contemplates, in axis 3, the need to review victim support plans, with a particular focus on vulnerable women groups, such as migrant women. Measures include involving migrant women in the design of specific policies and proposing specialised measures for migrant women in an illegal situation.
With respect to gender violence, the "Organic Law 1/2004, of 28 December, on Comprehensive Protection Measures against Gender Violence", establishes, among its priorities, the management of the specific situations undergone by foreign women. To this end, article 17 recognises the objective of guaranteeing the rights of women victims of gender violence regardless of their origin, religion or any other personal or social circumstance.
Also of note is the "Resolution of 29 December 2020, of the General Civil Service Secretariat, which publishes the Agreement of the Council of Ministers of 9 December 2020, approving the Third Plan for gender equality in the General State Administration and in linked or dependent Public Bodies". Its goals include the removal of all forms of discrimination and violence against women; the recognition and valuing of domestic and care work, as well as the promotion of co-responsibility; and ensuring the full and effective participation of women and equal leadership opportunities at all levels.
It is important to name the "Second National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security" (2017-2023), which establishes women's rights as a priority among its principles.
Finally, some programmes specifically aimed at the integration of migrant women are being implemented, such as the "Sara Programme" of the Women's Institute. The latter aims to improve the quality of life of immigrant women, through better training in social participation and, in particular, employment.
An illustration of the implementation of some measures that favour the inclusion of immigrant women in Spain can be found in the success story "From Ivory Coast to Spain: conquering freedom", accessible in the VIW Case Studies Map, available at https://viw.pixel-online.org/case_view.php?id=MTc=.
References/Online Resources
How to address the integration of immigrant women. A guide for Public Administrations https://www.inmujeres.gob.es/observatorios/observIgualdad/estudiosInformes/docs/011-integracion.pdf
This report presents a study of existing support programmes for migrant women across different domains of action in Spain.
V Report on psychosocial support to migrant women by Red Acoge
https://redacoge.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/5_-Mujeres-migrantes-y-refugiadas_v03_baja.pdf
This document is the outcome of research on the situation of migrant women in Spain. It aims to facilitate the incorporation of the gender perspective in migration policies and the interventions of organisations.