• When Pedro Sánchez offered her to occupy such a decisive portfolio, she thought about it, but accepted because she is a self-assured woman, hardened in the political recesses of Brussels. Yo Dona exclusively interviews the person who is also responsible for the country's Digital Transformation, a challenge in which she is committed to including the entire population.

Power and prudence coexist in this benchmark woman: she coordinates economic policy, she enjoys the respect of European institutions, she has international recognition ... but she looks where she steps. He arrives at our talk hardly making himself noticed, greets with charm, lets himself do it, speaks in a low voice and, to those who do not know her, his unwavering determination surprises him. "I prefer not to talk about personal things, that is not what men are asked," he says. Very true. And shared. Let's talk about leadership.

YO DONA I began by saying that she is one of the most powerful women in Spain, how is power carried? NADIA CALVIÑO. In my experience, the interesting thing about power is the ability to change things, to carry out actions or make decisions that can improve reality. Contribute to a better future for our children. A position like that of Vice President of the Government is an extraordinary opportunity, although it carries great responsibility and a high level of demand. Power is transformative, that is why we need women there. Clear! Because the diversity of gender, points of view, training ... enriches us, contributes different approaches and allows us to reach better solutions. In the business field and in the public. That is why women are needed who, together with men, use the power of institutions to transform society. What happens is that it is still difficult to see women at the top of finances, promotions in human resources are still more common , communication, institutional relations ... Anyway, the stereotypes again. Yes, they are stereotypes, because what matters is capacity and in that we are equal. Fortunately, Spanish society is mostly progressive and it is clear that women are just as capable as men. You would be surprised by the percentage that does not think so in other countries that we consider developed. We have a good basis on which to move forward so that diversity reaches all areas, I say this because when we see images of the G-20 or Ecofin, you are hardly the only woman. They are still them.The economic and financial world is still largely male. And indeed, that is seen in the photos, in which there are very few women ..., and that in the best of cases. Note that until recently I was the only one in the Eurogroup. Still, we are moving forward. For a few months now, women have been running the International Monetary Fund, the European Central Bank and the European Commission, something unthinkable a few years ago. And in this field, our country is a global benchmark, with a joint government, three vice-presidents, the majority of economic portfolios and the presidency of Congress and Senate headed by women. Little by little the photos are changing. Although there is still a way to go, I think we have to be proud of what we have made in Spain in the last 40 years. The other day a young girl said to me: "I really like seeing Nadia Calviño even if she doesn't understand everything she says, but that she is vice president is cool for me." That pride! I am happy to contribute to generating female references, I think it is one of the best ways to advance in equality. Girls cannot want to be what they don't see, what they don't know. That is why it is so important, in addition to education, to make visible the excellent women who shine in the field of science, technology, research, space, finance and so many other traditionally 'masculine' areas. Have you noticed mansplaining in any situation? [Smiles] I think the saying can be applied here that it doesn't offend who wants but who can. Although sometimes it costs a lot, professionally I think it is better not to take anything personally.

By the way, how many seconds did he hesitate to accept the Economic Vice Presidency? Taking on this responsibility is an important decision that requires reflection. In my case, in addition, it has meant a great change of life personally. Luckily, I have always had the full support of my family, who understands and shares my commitment to public service. I love self-confident women. What would you recommend to others so that they adopt the security that you have? It is interesting that the question is directed specifically at women, because unfortunately it is true that, in general, they have less determination to present their points of view. But I think that changing this bias does not depend only on them, but on society as a whole. So I would tell them to believe in themselves, to not let anyone make you feel that you cannot achieve your goals or get where you want in life. Clear! It seems that, when we talk about equality, that this is a matter of 'women'. Equality is everyone's business. That is why I say that the responsibility lies with society as a whole, that we must change the messages, implicit or explicit, prejudices and invisible barriers that lead to this gap in self-esteem and security shown by statistics and studies. Equality must be a shared goal and we must all do our part to achieve it. An 8-M commemorating International Women's Day ... We still have to remember it. Yes, unfortunately it still takes a day for all of society to be aware that achieving gender equality is everyone's job, that it requires us to strive every day, and that we should not take the progress made for granted, because There are always those who want to go back to times in black and white. What do we say to recalcitrant people who ensure that equality has already arrived? Much remains to be done. We have come a long way, our country is one of the most egalitarian and pioneering in countless areas, but we still have a clear gender gap. The female unemployment rate continues to be higher than the male and the employment rate, more than 10 points lower. Women occupy the lowest salary ranks and are little present in senior management positions or boards of directors. All this, together with the greater female dedication to unpaid work, such as caring for family members, is transferred to pensions. And that without going, of course, into the problem of gender violence. We still have to keep fighting for real equality. And I am proud to be part of a Government that has this among its priorities. The United Nations places duties on equality in SDG 5 [UN Development Program that sets gender equality goals] by 2030, how do we get there? If we continue at the current rate, equality would be achieved in a hundred years. We cannot afford it and that is why it is important to act decisively now. We must continue working on training and improve competences, especially in the digital field and in science subjects, what is known as STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics]. It is necessary to continue advancing in the conciliation and the family co-responsibility, in the salary equalization ... It is not only about having women in the highest positions, but to achieve equality at all levels. The data says that equality is wealth .Gender equality is not only a cause of justice or ethics, we are also interested from the economic point of view to increase our future growth. We cannot afford to waste the talent of 50% of the population! It is a country project and it is essential to have men. Equality unites us, makes us stronger. Achieving the objectives is everyone's business and we must think transversally.

Vice-President for Economic Affairs with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, and Pierre Moscovici, former European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs.

I have a friend who says: "Quotas are the price I am willing to pay so that my daughter has no quota." And he's right! My experience is that, in environments with a clear gender imbalance, it is not enough to have one or two women because it is very easy for the situation to be reversed, the change is not structural. A significant percentage must be reached for diversity to normalize and dynamics to change. Is the biggest risk now in technology? Because girls do not study engineering or mathematics and there we can find ourselves the mother of all gaps: the digital one. It is essential that women are fully participants and actors in the technological and digital revolution. The jobs that will be created in the future require new skills and we must ensure that both men and women access them, so that no one is left behind. In addition, connectivity and artificial intelligence open many opportunities, but they also carry the risk of perpetuating the biases and prejudices that we carry in the analogue field or even create new gaps. It is essential that these new technologies integrate diversity to ensure that the rights of the real world are transferred and protected also in the virtual one. And how do we do it? Without a doubt, we must bet on education and make female models visible, as I said before. . Over the years I have participated in numerous initiatives in this regard. Furthermore, the media play a very important role in creating models and protecting our values. And public sector aid programs can also include incentives for women's participation in projects. In short, that there is not a single miraculous measure, it is necessary to act transversally, incorporating the gender perspective in all policies. And we are doing that. Precisely his Vice-presidency is also of Digital Transformation. Nothing is conceived without technology and innovation. Exactly. The digital transformation of our economy and our society is one of the fundamental and urgent challenges that lie ahead. On the one hand, because from the economic point of view we must promote the adaptation of companies and workers, also of the public administration, if we want to take advantage of this technological revolution to increase productivity and future growth. On the other, because we have to channel the process also from a humanistic point of view, so that our rights, values ​​and principles continue to govern our relationships in the new digital environment. I know that you are very technical, you only have to see your resume, and how about emotions? They are essential in leadership today. Obviously empathy, the ability to understand the other's points of view, are qualities that enrich discussions and decisions. Precisely my professional experience in the international arena, with so many competing interests, where you have to deal with people from such diverse cultural and social backgrounds, is a great school of empathy and sensitivity. All, and all, we come from an education in inequality. The anecdote that Sheryl Sandberg, number 2 of Facebook, tells me about how a man with leadership is recognized as the boss, and a woman is described as bossy.Yes, for centuries the voice has been silenced Women's. But if we really want to create a different environment, it is as important to encourage speaking as to listen. With respect. And fight stereotypes like the one you point out.

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