Spain’s government has a message for women who are uncomfortable with their bodies when wearing a swimsuit: Don’t be. The government’s equality ministry launched a summer campaign on Thursday encouraging women to reject “stereotypes” and “aesthetic violence” — a reference to the social pressure some women feel to conform to beauty ideals. A poster promoting the campaign shows women of different ages, sizes and skin colors in swimwear on a beach. The slogan is: “Summer belongs to us too”. In a tweet, Equality Minister Irene Montero said: “Enjoy (the summer) however, wherever and with whoever you want.” The head of the Women’s Institute, a government body, said gender stereotypes were at the root of discrimination based on physical appearance. “Expectations are projected on women about how they should look,” Antonia Morillas told the state-run Efe news agency. “This not only affects our self-esteem, it also takes away our rights and limits how we behave and whether we enjoy public spaces.” Spain’s Socialist-led coalition government, which came to power four years ago, has made women’s rights one of its political banners. The cabinet has 14 women and eight men in ministerial positions.
