• María Jesús Almazor, CEO of Telefónica Spain: "Companies that do not integrate women will cease to exist"
I DONATE Are you a feminist? ELIZA REID Definitely, yes. He published an article in the New York Times about the role of the first ladies and sparked controversy. I felt he had something important to say about the perception of their role. I feel privileged to occupy this position and the opportunities that come with it, but at the same time you are in danger of being pigeonholed in doing only what corresponds to you because of who your husband is. And what should his role be? country. Some have a more formal role, but this is not the case in Iceland, since you have the opportunity to choose which is yours. In my case I think it is important to use my voice against the stereotype of a woman who is only interested in fashion, her house or things like that. I knew it would generate controversy with her opinion. Yes, but I got a lot of positive feedback from others they were in similar positions. I just wanted to open the debate and make it clear that today women are not just accessories for our husbands. More controversial: you buy second-hand clothes at the Red Cross. Of course. The first time was for an awards ceremony. We must be sustainable and the more we reuse clothes, the better. We must not forget that the fashion industry is the cause of large emissions of harmful gases. The Icelandic designers will be happy, they are very creative, they are inspired by nature and in general the industry works in a sustainable way. When I buy her clothes I know it was produced in a factory there, where fair wages are paid. Are you wearing something Icelandic now? My boots are made of fish skin, designed in Iceland. They are very comfortable and of quality. What is any day like for you? There is none like the other. I work, I direct a writers' festival, I promote Iceland and I am the patron saint of several institutions. Also, I travel as a first lady and have four children. Do you have any free time? I like to read essay and crime novel, cook and eat. I love spicy and spicy food. When I travel I usually buy spices. My specialty is a Canadian dessert. Is Iceland the best country to work and have children? Of course. I was born and raised in Canada and then studied in England. And I don't think there I could have allowed myself to have four children. In Iceland there are very family friendly policies. Both members of the couple enjoy childbirth leave, and are not transferable. Parents can create authentic bonds with babies. What have you done to be considered the country with the highest gender equality? When we talk about it we tell ourselves that we are an egalitarian country, but that we still have a long way to go: only the 13% of women in management positions in large companies, no CEO in publicly traded companies, there is domestic violence ... In politics, however, this is not the case. We had a president for several years. And now, the first lesbian head of government. And we are proud of it. Icelandic men realize that the more equality, the better for everyone. It doesn't mean better for women and worse for them. Countries with greater equality are richer, more prosperous and healthier, so we all win

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InterviewMaría Jesús Almazor, CEO of Telefónica Spain: "Companies that do not integrate women will cease to exist"