The 18th 'Mijas en Femenino' Gala, held on Friday 6th, was a tribute to freedom and equal opportunities, as expressed in the manifesto drawn up by the Mijas Town Hall and read by representatives of local women's associations. Among them was Juana Bueno, president of the Mijitas Women's Socio-Cultural Association, who noted during the reading that "current challenges focus primarily on consolidating real and effective opportunities, achieving a work-life balance, shared responsibility, access to and retention in employment, and balanced participation across all social, economic, and institutional spheres".

Awards

Following the manifesto, the ceremony, organised by the Department for Family and Equal Opportunities, led by the mayoress, Ana Mata (PP), proceeded with the presentation of awards. On this occasion, nine women and entities were recognised for their professional, educational, or cultural contributions toward a more egalitarian society. The first distinction, in the Social category, went to Rafaela Navarro, a retired employee of the Women's Centre, who said: "I have always tried to work with a smile, not because life doesn't hurt, but because I believe in hope and the strength to get up every day".

The ceremony also commended the Viogen System of the Civil Guard for its work against the most extreme form of inequality a woman can suffer: gender-based violence. First Corporal Daniel Ronquillo spoke of the women they assist: "when you hear them say 'thank you for being there, thank you for not failing us', that is our greatest satisfaction, our greatest prize is the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled".

 

In Sport category, mentions went to the Club Polideportivo Mijas Gimnasia Rítmica and the Club Deportivo Gimnasia Rítmica Sohail Mijas. Nina Gett, a coach at the former, spoke of the impact of such organisations: "We can help build a valuable and self-confident woman, an authentic woman who lives from her truth and from self-love". Meanwhile, Sohail coach Sue Alisson Ventura said she felt "proud to educate in equality, working with boys and girls, teaching them that respect and camaraderie stand above any difference".

In the Business category, tribute was paid to Belén Pizarro, from Club Raquetas Mijas, for, among many reasons, incorporating a charitable element into many of the competitions she organises: "To all the women who fight every day to break glass ceilings and build a much fairer community".

Ana Arenas, spokesperson for Communication and Social Media representing the Official Association of Social Graduates of Málaga and Melilla, was recognised in the Professional category as a staunch defender of labour rights. Arenas explained that "this is not about quotas or anything else. From here, I advocate for real equality, which is possible in all areas of law. Long live social justice!".

The Culture award went to artisan dressmaker María José Calvente, who has turned sewing into a passion, embroidering dreams on every fabric and using her talent to dress stages and moments full of life. Calvente was so moved when she received the award that she could only say, "Mum, this is for you" and blew her a kiss.

Pharmacist Aixa Galán was honoured in the Science category for going beyond conventional pharmacy to focus on women's health from a 360º perspective. She stated: "This award is not just mine, it belongs to every woman who has ever felt that her pain was not important enough; it belongs to women who balance family, work and passion and still find the strength to keep going".

Finally, in the Education category, for spreading knowledge and values, the award went to Los Campanales school teacher Belén Cruz, who gave a quick and affectionate overview of her career: "I was a swimming teacher at the indoor pool, at the Entrerríos Youth Hotel, a basketball and athletics coach, and presenter of the show 'Grandes y pequeños' on 3.40 TV, this is for you José Miguel", she added referring to the former presenter of Mijas Comunicación José Miguel Fernández.

Respect

The awards were followed by a speech by the mayoress of Mijas and head of the Department of Family and Equal Opportunities, Ana Mata (PP), who emphasised that these tributes "are a reflection of today's society in Mijas. The award winners have been chosen as examples of constant work for real equality, and I am convinced that they will continue to break barriers". The mayoress also stressed that "the 8th of March does not represent a partisan or political struggle; it is a real and social struggle for effective and real equality. There can be no more legitimate aspiration. We are not talking about privileges, we are talking about balance, trust, shared responsibility and respect".

Furthermore, Mata highlighted the Town Hall's commitment to equality as a "cross-cutting effort that involves all municipal departments".

 

The event opened and closed with music by Sara Ramírez, known artistically as Mami Curl. Once again, the gala served as a tribute to the dignity, strength, and future of all women, reminding everyone that equality is not just a goal, but a shared responsibility.

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