MADRID– The Spanish government has a message for women who are uncomfortable with their bodies when wearing swimsuits: don’t be.
The Government’s Department of Equality launched a summer campaign on Thursday encouraging women to reject ‘stereotyping’ and ‘aesthetic violence’ – a reference to the social pressure some women feel to conform to beauty ideals.
A poster advertising the campaign features women of different ages, sizes and skin colors in swimsuits on a beach.
The slogan is “Summer is ours too”.
In a tweet, Equalities Minister Irene Montero said: “Enjoy (the summer) however, wherever and with whomever you want.”
The director of the Women’s Institute, a government body, said gender stereotypes are at the root of discrimination based on physical appearance.
“Expectations are projected onto women about their appearance,” Antonia Morillas told the official Efe news agency. “It not only affects our self-esteem, it also takes away our rights and limits our behavior and appreciation of public spaces.”
Spain’s socialist-led coalition government, which came to power four years ago, has made women’s rights one of its political banners. The Cabinet has 14 women and eight men in ministerial positions.
ABC News