The Spanish Government Delegation in the Principality of Asturias has presented the prestigious Meninas 2026 recognitions to eight deputies for their role in the unanimous approval of the Organic Law 1/2004, which established Comprehensive Protection Measures Against Gender Violence. The recipients include Mariví Monteserín Rodríguez, Álvaro Narciso Cuesta Martínez, María Luisa Carcedo Roces, Celestino Suárez González, Alicia Castro Masaveu, Isidro Fernández Rozada, Leopoldo Bertrand de la Riera, and José Avelino Sánchez Menéndez. This recognition acknowledges their contributions as representatives of Asturias during the VIII Legislature in the parliamentary process that led to the historic law's approval on 28 December 2004.
The unanimous passage of this law marked a significant turning point in the institutional response to gender violence in Spain, reflecting a broad parliamentary and social consensus. It represented a paradigm shift, addressing gender violence as a state issue rooted in inequality and power dynamics, with a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, protection, and support for victims.
This year, the Government Delegation in Asturias also awarded special mentions to the educational project ‘La Locomotora del Tiempo’ by the Guardia Civil, part of the Director Plan; the ‘Self-Defence Tools for Women’ initiative run by the National Police in Gijón; and Luis Fanjul Fernández, director of Programs at the Asturias Penitentiary Centre.
The Meninas recognitions are promoted by the Government Delegation for Gender Violence and are presented in all Government Delegations and Subdelegations in conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which will be observed in Asturias on 1 December.
Profiles of the recognised deputies
- Mariví Monteserín Rodríguez: PSOE deputy for Asturias during the VIII and X Legislatures, former spokesperson for the Joint Commission on Women's Rights and Equality of Opportunities, and currently the mayor of Avilés.
- Álvaro Narciso Cuesta Martínez: PSOE deputy for Asturias from the II to IX Legislatures, previously a member of the General Council of the Judiciary, with significant contributions in Justice and Interior matters.
- María Luisa Carcedo Roces: PSOE deputy for Asturias in the VIII and X Legislatures, former Minister of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare from September 2018 to January 2020, and a permanent member of the Council of State since March 2023.
- Celestino Suárez González: PSOE deputy for Asturias during the VII to IX Legislatures, served as the first vice president of the Defence Commission in the VIII Legislature.
- Alicia Castro Masaveu: PP deputy for Asturias in the VI to VIII Legislatures, previously served as a regional deputy and deputy mayor of Oviedo.
- Isidro Fernández Rozada: PP deputy for Asturias from the VII to IX Legislatures, and former senator from I to VI Legislatures, he chaired the Popular Group in the General Board and the PP of Asturias.
- Leopoldo Bertrand de la Riera: PP deputy for Asturias in the VIII Legislature, involved in Defence, International Cooperation for Development, and Comprehensive Disability Policies commissions.
- José Avelino Sánchez Menéndez: Former PP deputy for Asturias in the VIII Legislature, served on the Parliamentary Control Commission for RTVE, and was the second secretary of the Joint Commission for Relations with the Ombudsman.
Special mentions for 2026
- ‘La Locomotora del Tiempo’: A pilot educational project by the Guardia Civil aimed at primary schools in rural Asturias, using a children's story to address issues of gender violence prevention, equality, respect, and coexistence.
- ‘Self-Defence Tools for Women’: An initiative by the National Police in Gijón that combines theory and practice to empower women through self-defence training and risk identification.
- Luis Fanjul Fernández: Director of Programs at the Asturias Penitentiary Centre since 2020, previously served as Inspector of Service in the General Subdirectorate of Penitentiary Inspection and as director of the Asturias Penitentiary Centre from November 2014 to January 2019.
