Carmen Calvo calls for "courage, unanimity and strength against those who deny the reality" of gender-based violence

Carmen Calvo added that "it's important for our unity to remain strong, the coordination and absolute convergence between society, public authorities, State powers and especially democrats to stand true".

The Vice-President of the Government made these statements in her speech at the action against gender-based violence recognition award ceremony, at which she wished to express her gratitude to those receiving awards on behalf of the Government of Spain.

"You are a fine example to follow in putting a stop to the terror of male violence against women", said the Vice-President of the Government to the recipients, whom she praised "for their work on improving democracy, dignity and the rights of women".

"We must all keep following your example to build a society that needs to be increasingly sensitive and more responsible with itself to eradicate this blight", she added.

Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaCarmen Calvo described this act of awarding recognition to those individuals and organisations committed to the eradication of violence against women, which is held by the ministerial department responsible for equality affairs every year, as "unfortunate and sadly very important for the Government of Spain and for this country".

In this regard, the Vice-President of the Government said that "there is still a great deal to do" but wished to highlight "what has already been done", such as the Law on Measures for Comprehensive Protection against Gender-based Violence.

"15 years ago, this country provided itself with a law to courageously and committedly put an end to the murder and isolation of a significant number of women, an instrument that has produced great results and requires improvement and reflection for continued progress", she said.

"There is still a long way to go but we are a committed and courageous society, and we will work together to achieve it", she concluded.

This year, the Ministry of the Presidency, Parliamentary Relations and Equality recognised the actor, Concha Velasco, for her career committed to equality; Doctors of the World for its work against female genital mutilation through its pioneering project in Navarre; Casa Malva in Gijón for its pioneering project on comprehensive services to victims and their children; the theatre piece entitled "Jauría" for denouncing gang rape through its stage design; Skolae Navarra for its education project on equality; Amelia Tiganus, a people trafficking survivor from Romania; the interactive project by RTVE entitled "Mil mujeres asesinadas - [athousand women murdered]"; and the news coverage by the Society section of the EFE Agency.

Non official translation