Charities warn women face more job insecurity and financial vulnerability

Women "alienated" from the labor market, with precarious jobs, or difficulties in getting their studies and experience formally recognized. 

These are some of the types of cases seen by organizations such as the Red Cross and Caritas, which work to overcome "barriers," guide users, and facilitate their introduction into formal employment. 

In 2023, 60% of the people that the Red Cross in Catalonia helped regarding work were women, 8,324 in total. 

Both the Red Cross and Caritas offer training, guidance and support to help women learn about the labor market and assist them in finding a job. 

Esther Juan, coordinator of employment projects at the Red Cross, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) that women have it "very difficult," in a labor market that is "not inclusive." 

At Caritas Barcelona, 60% of people attended to are women, and 24% of households served are single parents, mostly women. 

In many cases, women are forced to take jobs without contracts, in order to fit in with their schedules around childcare, making them feel unprotected, without employment opportunities, according to Caritas. In total, almost 8 out of 10 women supported by the charity are unemployed. 

Desireé Garcia, head of Caritas' training program, says there are companies that need to fill vacancies and, at the same time, women with university degrees who cannot work, because it costs them too much money and time to have their qualifications recognized in Spain. 

"It's talent that the Catalan economy is losing out on."