Spanish Focus Group highlights structural barriers and data scarcity as challenges for the Grapes of Change Observatory

A focus group organised by ASAJA Mujeres in Spain in December 2025 brought together women winegrowers, winery managers, agricultural engineers, journalists, and sector representatives to contribute to the development of the Grapes of Change Observatory.

For many participants, this was their first direct engagement with the concept of a gender-based violence (GBV) observatory, underlining the importance of clear explanations and accessible tools.

Participants stressed that any future Observatory must go beyond abstract concepts and address tangible workplace realities, such as contract duration, working conditions, and occupational risk prevention. At the same time, they highlighted major obstacles to data collection, including fear of labour inspections and reluctance to disclose irregular hiring practices. Associations like ASAJA were identified as key intermediaries for outreach, alongside trade fairs and sector-specific events, reflecting the need for trusted channels to encourage participation and honest reporting.

Discussions revealed broader structural inequalities affecting women in the wine sector. Participants pointed to persistent gender discrimination linked to the physical nature of vineyard work, with some employers still perceiving women as less suitable despite legal safeguards. While women’s representation in cooperatives and governing bodies has increased, the group agreed that a glass ceiling remains, particularly in rural areas. Regional differences within Spain were also highlighted, suggesting that cultural and territorial factors strongly influence women’s roles and visibility in the sector.

In closing, participants reflected on existing measures to promote gender equality, notably Spain’s parity law linking public subsidies to gender-balanced representation in agricultural organisations.