Barcelona Activa reveals that women hold 73.5% of employment but account for 59% of long-term unemployment

Women’s presence in Barcelona’s labour market continues to grow. The pay gap is shrinking, but precarious work and long-term unemployment affect women more. Barcelona Activa is strengthening its policies to promote real equality.

Women’s progress in Barcelona’s labour market marks a new milestone in 2025, with figures reflecting both achievements and outstanding challenges. The female activity rate has reached 80% and the employment rate stands at 73.5%, consolidating a positive trend maintained for two decades. However, inequality persists in sectors and working conditions, continuing to shape the lives of thousands of women in Barcelona.

The latest report “Les dones al mercat de treball”, prepared by the City Council and Barcelona Activa, reveals that female unemployment in the city is 8.1%, practically the same as male unemployment, but long-term unemployment still hits women harder: they account for almost 60% of people who have been looking for work the longest. In addition, women’s presence varies drastically by sector: only 18.4% of construction jobs are held by women, compared with 83.4% in domestic activities, where precariousness is the norm.

During 2025, Barcelona Activa’s employment services assisted 34,695 people, of whom 59% were women. Public policies have been key to this progress, but the pay gap remains at 15.8%, despite having narrowed notably in the last decade. In-work poverty affects 13.5% of women, with a particular impact among those from Latin America.

The 2022 labour reform has promoted permanent hiring, which now accounts for 41.2% of women’s contracts. However, part-time work remains much more common among women (15.2%) than men (5.6%), largely because of family responsibilities. Female entrepreneurship is also growing and reaches 7.8% in 2025, although conditions remain harder for migrant women, who experience greater precariousness and lower pay. Nearly half of contracts in domestic activities were signed by foreign women.

Barcelona Activa is reinforcing its commitment to equality through guidance, training and entrepreneurship-support services. Initiatives include Crea Feina grants, the Puntos de defensa de derechos laborales, employment coaching and Impulsem el que fas assistance. The LIDERA space has supported more than 1,500 women in training and networking programmes. In addition, the municipal investment strategy prioritises projects led by women, as shown by the 38% of founders at Startup Lab Glòries.

Barcelona Activa has established itself as a key driver of the transformation of women’s employment in the city. Since its creation, it has promoted pioneering programmes in careers guidance, training and entrepreneurship, adapting to the changing needs of working women. Its focus on equal opportunities and the defence of labour rights has made the organisation a benchmark for those seeking to improve their professional situation in Barcelona. Collaboration with the City Council and the incorporation of gender criteria into its policies reinforce its role in the fight against labour inequality.

Updated · 10 March 2026 Barcelona Activa 2025: 34,695 assisted (59% women), 2,741 labour-rights defence, Crea Feina 51.5% women’s grants, LIDERA 1,500+ networking. 2022 labour reform: permanent contracts 41.2% of women’s contracts (+23.8pp vs 2021).

Key sectors: Information/Communications 35.3% women (growing/high wages), healthcare 74.5%. Latin American migrants: 70.1% hospitality, 53.1% domestic work. Female entrepreneurship 7.8%.