Obscene Graffiti on Pink Skirt Images in Parking Lots
Controversy Over Women-Only Parking Spaces as "Sexist"
Women: "Male-Centered Thinking"
Men: "Against Gender Equality"
A city in Spain has become the center of controversy after introducing women-only parking spaces. There has been a wave of criticism, with many calling the measure "sexist" regardless of gender.
According to the French daily Le Parisien on the 23rd (local time), the city of Leon in northwestern Spain recently designated women-only parking spaces in several areas of the city, citing the protection of vulnerable groups and ensuring safety. These parking spaces are visually distinguished from regular ones by a pink background and an image of a woman wearing a skirt.
Women-only parking spaces introduced by the city of Leon in Spain. One week after the city implemented this policy, the pink female symbol was defaced with a male genitalia drawing. Screenshot from X (formerly Twitter)
Mayor Jose Antonio Diez explained, "This is a policy approached from a gender perspective, aiming to help women avoid potential assault risks by allowing them to park in wider, better-lit spaces closer to sidewalks." He added, "Such measures are already being implemented in other European cities."
However, there has been strong local criticism of the city's actions. Women have pointed out that it is a "sexist measure" and that "the idea that women need separate parking spaces because they are less skilled drivers than men is a completely male-centered way of thinking." One women's organization told local media, "The pink skirt implies women's helplessness," and warned, "Implementing such a measure without any accompanying campaign risks further entrenching gender stereotypes."
Men have also voiced concerns about discrimination. One citizen argued, "Spanish citizens are equal before the law, and discrimination based on gender is not permitted in any form." He added, "The fact that men could be deliberately targeted for sanctions violates the constitution," and called it "reverse discrimination." Local media reported that within a week of the policy's implementation, some women-only parking spaces had already been vandalized with graffiti depicting male genitalia, indicating a backlash.
Women-only parking spaces have previously been introduced in several countries outside of Spain, but empirical studies on their actual safety benefits are limited, and controversy persists. Recently, the city of Metz in France implemented a similar policy, but there have been skeptical views such as "simple markings alone cannot guarantee real safety," "integrated security measures such as improved lighting, installation of CCTV, and increased patrol personnel are more effective," and "the cost-effectiveness is low."
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