8M in Parliament: Astrid Pérez champions “invisible” women workers

“Today we do not celebrate perfection; we celebrate the everyday courage of the women who sustain the Canary Islands,” said the President of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Astrid Pérez, during the chamber’s session dedicated to International Women’s Day.

“Those who care, those who attend, those who clean. Women in the service sector in the Canary Islands”

The Parliament of the Canary Islands hosted on Thursday the event “Those who care, those who attend, those who clean. Women in the service sector in the Canary Islands,” aimed at highlighting the essential contribution of women to the islands’ main economic engine and opening a space for reflection and dialogue on the labour challenges they face.

“Without you there would be no made‑up beds, no open canteens, no people accompanied, no households functioning,” Pérez emphasized, underscoring that social and professional recognition of these jobs remains an unresolved challenge.

The session took place in the Sala Europa of the regional chamber on International Women’s Day.

Key figures

• The service sector accounts for more than 81 % of the Canary Islands’ Gross Domestic Product.
• In areas such as hospitality, care and cleaning, women hold up to 93 % of the jobs.

“When we think of the engine of the Canary Islands we must think of the faces of all of you, of your hands and your stories,” Pérez added.

She also reminded that many of these professions have historically been invisible, treated as extensions of tasks traditionally assigned to women.

“Visibility is the first step toward awareness. If we do not see, we do not understand; and if we do not listen, we cannot legislate.”

Programme highlights

The day combined presentations, testimonies and participatory spaces. Notable interventions included:

• “The invisible that sustains tourism: women, care and cleaning in the Canary Islands” – presented by María Díaz, representative of the house‑keeping workers’ collective.
• “The evolution of the art of caring” – delivered by Sanae El Hadi, a nursing professional.
• “The invisible pillar: women and care” – given by Ana Brito, director of the Canary Islands Institute for Equality.

A round‑table discussion addressed labour challenges in the sector—such as work‑life balance and job stability in care roles—featuring caregivers, family members and professionals involved in the assistance of dependent persons.

Closing debate

The event concluded with an open debate, allowing participants to share experiences, proposals and reflections, with the aim of advancing social and professional recognition for the women who underpin a large part of the Canary Islands’ economic and social activity.