Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
World
Brett Gibbons

Spanish government urges women to shed beach body inhibitions - whatever shape or size

Spain’s government urged women not to be uncomfortable with their beach bodies when they wear bathing costumes - whatever their shape or size. The nation's Equality Ministry has launched the summer campaign encouraging women to reject “stereotypes” and “aesthetical violence” — a reference to social pressure some women feel to conform to beauty ideals.

A poster advertising the campaign features women of different ages, sizes and skin colours in bathing costumes on a beach with the slogan: “Summer belongs to us, too.”

The drive was welcomed by Equality Minister Irene Montero, who said: “Enjoy (the summer) however, wherever and with whoever you like.”

Antonia Morillas, head of the Women’s Institute, a government body, added gender stereotypes are at the root of discrimination based on physical appearance. She said: "Expectations are projected onto women about how they should look.

“That doesn’t only affect our self-esteem, it also takes away our rights and limits how we behave in and whether we enjoy public spaces.”

In supporting the movement, she tweeted praise of the campaign's attempt to knock down gender stereotypes. While the campaign has been widely praised for its attempts at inclusivity, some people have also stressed it should be extended to include men without so-called standard bodies.

Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government, which came to power four years ago, has made women’s rights one of its political banners. Its Cabinet has 14 women and eight men in ministerial positions.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.