Reaching for the stars
IBERIAN LAWYER
The main digital monthly magazine providing information on the legal and business sectors in Spain and Portugal.
by Ilaria Iaquinta
We'll reach Mars before achieving gender equality. A few days ago, I came across this sobering thought. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2024, the disparity in economic participation, opportunities, education, health, and political empowerment will take another 134 years to close. Meanwhile, space agencies and private companies like SpaceX are planning human missions to Mars in 2025, and NASA projects this will happen within the next decade. If current trends persist, gender equity will remain a distant goal for at least five more generations. This contrast calls our collective priorities into question: we can dream of colonising other planets, yet on Earth, equality remains an unresolved challenge. Some countries are advancing more rapidly. Spain, with 79.7% equity according to the report, ranks tenth among 146 nations, reflecting a sustained commitment to the cause. Portugal, though not specifically ranked in the report, has also implemented policies to reduce the gender gap, although obstacles persist. Despite these advances, even in the most progressive contexts, full equality has yet to be achieved.
Though they may be drops in the ocean, there are women breaking barriers and demonstrating that female leadership is not a utopia but a reality in the making. The 50 leading lawyers featured in this issue of Iberian Lawyer are proof of this. They challenge a historically male-dominated environment and show that equity is not just an ideal but an attainable goal. Highlighting these advancements is key to continuing to drive change. We must not stop fighting, and we will continue to give voice to those writing this revolution.
In this issue, we also explore key issues regarding equity and transformation in the legal profession, from diversity policies to the relationship between law and sustainability. We analyse the impact of new regulations in Spain on traveller registration, a topic that opens a debate on security and privacy. The relationship between urban planning and tourism is also at the centre of the discussion: industry experts reflect on the need for regulation, investment, and strategic planning to balance tourism growth with urban life. In the startup ecosystem, Josep Navajo of Delvy Law & Finance offers an analysis of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make and the keys to success. Additionally, we explore the work of NLP, a firm led by three female lawyers in Lisbon, specialising in intellectual property and patent litigation, reinforcing the role of women in the legal world. Transparency and ESG criteria also play a key role in redefining law and sustainability. In this context, we analyse strategies to avoid greenwashing and strengthen green governance. In the corporate sphere, Ana de Quintana Sanz, legal director of Mercedes-Benz Iberia, shares her vision on the importance of feedback between internal departments and external firms to improve collaboration. Meanwhile, Miguel Romera, the new legal director of Vodafone, faces challenges in a landscape of mergers and expanding connectivity. Finally, we examine the international strategy of Accuracy, a financial consulting firm that has landed in New York to consolidate its presence in the U.S. and support European clients in their investments.
The path to equality remains long, but every step counts. As we advance towards new worlds, ensuring a fairer society here remains an urgent mission.
READ THE OTHER NEWS: