ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the evolution of gender equality on the social and political agenda since Spain's transition to democracy until today, paying special attention to how gender equality has been framed at the macro-institutional level. It argues that Spain has clearly been a latecomer in gender equality legislation, given the political evolution of the country; it can now be considered a front-runner among European Union (EU) countries. The chapter also argues that the process of Europeanization has been key in this rapid process of transformation, both formally through the transposition of European directives and informally. In recent years Spain has been politically praised for its commitment to gender equality. In the general elections of 2008, the re-elected Spanish Prime Minister, Mr J. L. Rodríguez Zapatero, formed the first European government with more women than men. Spain's new law requires that public policies related to health, education and social issues promote universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.
