The Unwanted Kiss That Exposed The Endurance Of Spain’s Macho Culture

The Unwanted Kiss That Exposed The Endurance Of Spain’s Macho Culture

More than a week following Spain’s historic victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final, the focus has shifted away from soccer due to an unwelcome kiss that has generated global outrage and exposed Spain’s lingering culture of machismo.

Despite considerable advancements in gender equality in recent years, the incident highlights the persistence of this mindset.

Jennifer Hermoso, a prominent player, condemned the actions of Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, as a “sexist act without any consent.” Hermoso, along with her teammates, view the incident as an aggression that occurred in front of a packed stadium and a global television audience after their hard-earned 1-0 win over England on August 20. In response, the entire team has refused to play for Spain until Rubiales resigns or is removed.

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Rather than celebrating their historic victory, the incident has cast a shadow over the triumph. Although Rubiales initially acknowledged his mistake, he later claimed that the kiss was consensual. FIFA has temporarily suspended him from his federation role, and the Spanish government has filed a complaint with the Sports Tribunal to potentially suspend him.

The scandal intensified as Rubiales defiantly addressed the soccer federation’s assembly, announcing his refusal to step down. Despite expectations of resignation, members of the federation who haven’t resigned are supporting him, and legal action has been threatened against Hermoso, accusing her of falsehoods.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that Spain, despite progress in women’s rights, still grapples with deeply rooted machismo culture. This is evident in instances of domestic violence that have led to the deaths of nearly 40 women in Spain this year. In broader terms, men maintain positions of power across various sectors, including the workplace.

Tania Verge Mestre, the councillor for Equality and Feminisms in the Catalonia regional government, emphasized that the incident sends a message to sports federations and women engaging in sports. She called for Rubiales’ dismissal and the accountability of those who tolerated his behavior.

While Spain ranks relatively well in terms of women’s rights, it also hosts the far-right Vox party, which seeks to reverse progress in women’s rights. Recent years have seen protests against sexual abuse and violence, such as the “Wolf Pack” case, where men initially faced lesser charges despite gang raping a woman. The women’s soccer team has also protested for fair pay and better resources.

Spain’s World Cup victory, once a celebration of women’s talent and determination, risks being overshadowed by an unwanted kiss that highlights ongoing issues in the country’s treatment of women.

Credit: CNN