feature: rita bosaho of progressive political party podemos becomes spain’s first black woman mp

“Why is it so striking that a black woman could end up in parliament? What does that say about us all being integrated?” states Rita Bosaho. Representing the Spanish political party Podemos, Bosaho (who was born in Equatorial Guinea and moved to Spain more than 30 years ago) has now become Spain’s first black woman MP – in an election that saw a record number of women voted into the country’s lower parliament. The Guardian writes: “Known in Alicante for her activism in gender issues, one of her goals is to push the central government to do more to address violence against women and raise the profile of women in government. “We talk about rights and equality and the constitution protects us,” said Bosaho [a former nurse]. “But what happens with institutional representation or women in business? Why aren’t our voices being heard there?”” Congratulations! 

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor