• María Guijarro: “Her work set in motion one of the best systems of protection for victims of gender-based violence in the world”
• Marisol Garmendia: “They were pioneers who knew how to face a reality that had been silenced for too long”

The Secretary of State for Equality and for the Eradication of Violence against Women, María Guijarro, has presided in Vitoria an act of recognition for three women for their work against gender violence. Senators Lentxu Rubial (PSE-EE), Isabel López Aulestia (United Left/Ezker Batua) and Inmaculada Loroño (PNV) received a well-deserved tribute in an event that took place this morning in the Delegation of the Government of the Basque Country.

María Guijarro highlighted the value of the work of these three pioneers “which was, without doubt, the implementation of one of the best systems of protection for victims of gender violence in the world”. The Secretary of State has stressed that all three acted from the Senate, but in different political groups, “demonstrating that personal and political responsibility, dialogue, and public service commitment in defense of human rights allow far-reaching agreements for the security of half the population and for a democracy.”

For her part, the delegate of the Government in the Basque Country and host of this act of recognition, Marisol Garmendia, has highlighted the capacity of these pioneers who “knew how to look ahead to a reality that for too long had been silenced. His example inspires us, his legacy guides us and hopefully his courage will accompany us on this path that we still have to follow.”

However, both María Guijarro and Marisol Garmendia have agreed on avoiding self-complacent speeches and that the fight against gender violence must continue. “In 2025, 13 women and two minors were murdered. 1,307 women and 64 minors since these data were recorded,” said Guijarro.

“We are aware of the difficulties that must be overcome to implement the State Pact against Gender Violence with legislative and institutional measures and with new resources in the midst of the rise of speeches that deny the very existence of gender violence,” said Garmendia.

Isabel López Aulestia, Inmaculada Loroño and Eider Gardiazabal Rubial (daughter of Lentxu Rubial) participated in a round table moderated by the delegate of the Government in which they recalled the steps taken in the fight against gender violence and the difficulties that continue to exist to achieve an egalitarian and more just society.

Lentxu Rubial: He was a prominent figure of Basque and Spanish socialism. His life was marked by dedication, empathy and unwavering commitment to the people who needed the most help. As chair of the Senate Labor and Social Affairs Committee in the 8th Legislature, her role was key in the debate and passing of the Organic Law for the Effective Equality of Women and Men.

Isabel López Aulestia: During her tenure as a senator in the 8th Legislature, she played a key role in promoting progressive and transformative policies. In 2005 she represented Spain at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, participating in the follow-up of the Beijing agreements, reaffirming her commitment to the international agenda of gender equality. Her work was recognized with the GEHITU Award, awarded for her staunch defense of the Gay Marriage Act.

Inmaculada Loroño: During his time in the Upper House (2000-2008) he actively participated as rapporteur in the processing of key laws such as the Organic Law on Comprehensive Protection Measures against Gender Violence and the Organic Law for the Effective Equality of Women and Men.