Those who are always thereThere is a job that is done every day, for hours, without a contract, without Social Security contributions and without any kind of recognition.
It is done mostly by women. It is called care: for young children, for elderly parents, for sick relatives.
Spain is one of the European countries where there are the fewest public care services. The consequence is paid by women: they leave the labor market, reduce their working hours, give up promotions. And they do it in silence.
Meanwhile, the gender pay gap grows, women's pensions are lower and the aging of the population is leading us towards a care crisis that no one wants to face.
Perhaps it is time we stopped treating care as a private matter and recognized it for what it is: a fundamental pillar of society that deserves public funding, legal recognition and real shared responsibility.
Natàlia Molner i Ventura
Molins de ReiA year without explanationsThere are things we simply take for granted, like having a plate on the table or being able to drink potable water.
Let's imagine that one day this fails. You can't eat or drink anywhere. Restaurants aren't serving, supermarkets aren't open, and there's nothing at home. And let's imagine the only explanation we're given is: "There has been a multiple error." Perhaps the farmer's crop has spoiled, there's a strike at the factory, and the truck that was supposed to bring the food has flat tires. All at once.
Would we accept it?
A year ago, an entire country was plunged into darkness due to a "multiple error." Services stopped, routines were altered, and for hours, it became evident how much we depend on infrastructures we take for granted.
A year later, we still don't know anything more.
Georgina TarragóBarcelonaWhen healing goes beyond medicineIn moments when life becomes fragile and uncertain, there are places where medicine is not only practiced, but lived with a humanity that leaves its mark. This is the case of the Institute of Cancer and Blood Diseases, located on the second floor of the Sagrat Cor University Hospital, where my mother has been admitted during a particularly delicate period.
From the first day, the care received from all the staff has been simply exceptional. It is not just about professionalism – which there is, and a lot of it – but also about a way of accompanying that goes far beyond what is often expected in a hospital setting.
If there is one thing that makes a difference, it is affection. The way they have treated my mother – with tenderness, with respect, with a constant smile – speaks of a team that not only cares, but truly accompanies. They have known how to respect her pace, listen to her wishes, and adapt to her needs with a delicacy that conveys confidence and peace in moments of great vulnerability.
I want to make special mention of Mar, Mireia, Vanessa, Sara, Maria, Josué, Luna, Tin, and all those who may not appear in this text but are part of this extraordinary team. And, especially, to the oncologist Teresa Gorría, who has accompanied us with impeccable professionalism and admirable sensitivity, as well as Marga, for her constant follow-up and her closeness from the hospital.
Amidst uncertainty, they have been much more than professionals: they have been presence, warmth, and hope. Little great figures who, with their silent dedication, illuminate the darkest moments.
Romy PuigBarcelona