The conference, titled “Women's Leadership in Politics in Small and Medium-sized Municipalities,” was held at the FEMP headquarters to mark its 45th anniversary. The event was attended by the Federation's president and other municipal representatives from various Spanish localities.
“"Women are not leaders by concession, nor by quota, nor by circumstance; women are leaders by ourselves, by our capacity, by our preparation, by our vocation of service and by our way of transforming daily problems into real solutions."
The Mayor, who also chairs the FEMP's Equality Commission, spoke at the institutional welcome, advocating for the role of women in public life, especially at the municipal level. She noted that in Spain, there are approximately 2,000 female mayors managing municipalities of various sizes and political affiliations, all sharing the common goal of leading their communities and making decisions close to their citizens.
Furthermore, the Mayor emphasized the unique nature of the work of female municipal leaders in small and medium-sized environments, where politics is practiced with proximity, directly listening to residents' problems. She highlighted these women's ability to always be available, respond to emergencies, promote projects, defend public services, often with fewer resources but with great commitment.
Special mention was made of women in rural areas, recognizing their silent but firm leadership in sustaining families, local economies, and essential ways of life for the country. The Mayor stated that equality is built from the closest and most municipal Spain.
As president of the FEMP's Equality Commission, the Mayor of Collado Villalba reaffirmed that local councils are fundamental tools for advancing real equality, combating all forms of discrimination, and fighting against gender violence. She insisted that equality must translate into public policies, resources, education, employment, work-life balance, security, and opportunities, as well as greater female presence in decision-making spaces.
