92% of Spaniards believe gender inequality persists, poll finds

A new survey shows that 92% of Spaniards believe that gender equality has yet to be achieved in their country.

Only 5% of women and 11% of men feel that equality between the sexes has been fully attained, according to the Attitudes and Perceptions survey carried out by polling firm Metroscopia.

Eighty percent of respondents also said that they thought women were paid less than their male counterparts. And 71% admitted that women have a harder time in general than men, as they are forced to juggle work and family life, earn less for doing the same amount of work, and have restricted access to positions of responsibility.

Only 4% alluded to biological differences as the main reason for inequality

This awareness was greater among women (79%) than among men (63%).

Asked who has suffered the most as a result of the economic crisis, 45% of respondents said the impact had been the same for both men and women, while 44% felt that women had been harder hit.

As for job stability, upward mobility, access to positions of political responsibility and job opportunities, there is a general consensus that women face more of an uphill struggle, although 30% of respondents said things were equally tough for both men and women.

The root cause of persisting gender inequality in Spain is its cultural and social inheritance, according to 88% of respondents. Only 4% alluded to biological differences as the main reason for inequality.

Metroscopia surveyed 2,502 people between January 14 and 25.

English version by Susana Urra.