Celebrating Women’s Leadership in the Canary Islands: “Las 5 Fantásticas”
This Thursday, five remarkable women, known as “Las 5 Fantásticas,” came together to emphasize a vital message: the urgent need to continue breaking glass ceilings and elevating women’s roles in public administration until one leads the Spanish government. This gathering, organized by Charter 100 Canarias, united former and current presidents of the island councils in a moment of reflection on female leadership, public service, and the journey toward equity in representation within institutions.
A Unique Moment in History
The event was historic as it marked the first time that the female presidents of the island councils convened to analyze and discuss their experiences and the progress made in local governance. Nardy Barrios, the association’s president and a prominent jurist, highlighted the uniqueness of this gathering. She emphasized the importance of their collective voices in advocating for increased representation of women.
Fuerteventura as the Chosen Venue
Conveniently located in Fuerteventura, the event was particularly symbolic, given the island’s historical significance in the evolution of local governance. It was also the birthplace of Manuel Velázquez Cabrera, the architect behind the 1913 Cabildos Law. Lola García, the current president of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura and the island’s first female president, noted the importance of holding the event in a non-capital island. She expressed how this choice aims to highlight the contributions of women striving for political leadership in all corners of the Canaries.
Breaking Down Barriers
During her opening remarks, García reinforced a critical message: “Women make up 50% of the population; we must occupy leadership roles and strive to lead councils, autonomous governments, and the central government.” Her statement encapsulated the spirit of the event—promoting women’s visibility in political spheres and advocating for representation in decision-making roles.
Recognizing Pioneers in Leadership
The event also served as a tribute to the women who paved the way for future generations in political leadership. Former Lanzarote council president Inés Rojas shared her respect for Chana Perera, the first president of the Lanzarote Cabildo and, indeed, the first across all councils. Rojas emphasized the importance of positive discrimination to ensure women hold critical positions on electoral lists. She attributed Lanzarote’s succession of six female presidents, in part, to these measures.
Building Networks of Support
Belén Allende, the former president of El Hierro, underscored the importance of coming together at gatherings like this one. She described it as essential for “making women visible” and fostering a collaborative network among women with diverse backgrounds but shared goals. Allende was adamant that equal representation is not merely desirable; it is essential for a balanced society.
Introducing Charter 100 Fuerteventura
This gathering also marked the public debut of Charter 100 Fuerteventura, led by Clara Peña. This local chapter is dedicated to elevating women’s leadership and promoting a collaborative environment for dialogue and inspiration among women. Charter 100 Canarias aims to propel real equality between men and women, focusing on professional development, entrepreneurship, and consolidating female leadership across various sectors.
A Commitment to Equality
Founded on International Women’s Day in 2015, Charter 100 Canarias is committed to advocating for women’s contributions in all areas of society. The organization focuses on four primary domains: entrepreneurs, businesswomen, professionals, and leaders. Through these efforts, they promote equitable representation and encourage women to occupy spaces where they can impact society positively.
The Future of Female Leadership
As the “Las 5 Fantásticas” convened, they not only celebrated past achievements but also paved the way for future generations of women leaders in the Canary Islands. Their collective voice serves as a reminder of how far women have come and the work still needed to achieve full representation in governance and beyond. Each story shared and every commitment made entrench the idea that the future is bright for women in leadership.
