British expat women in Spain making their mark

Published:  7 Jan at 6 PM
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Tagged: Spain, Money, Euro, Emigration
British women emigrating to Spain aren’t just sitting in the sunshine enjoying their retirements or breaks from the world of work, they’re out there making their mark in communities and online.

The role of women in Spain’s traditionally male-dominated society has undergone massive changes over the last half-century, with the female workforce now standing at 40 per cent of the total of those employed. Globalisation has resulted in women’s empowerment in the largely Roman Catholic state, with expat entrepreneurs networking with English-speaking Spaniards as well as fellow Brits.

Ali Meehan is a living example of the changes, having started her networking website, CostaWomen.com, for female entrepreneurs on the Costa del Sol. Almost immediately, businesswomen from across Spain joined, and the group now numbers 2,500 members, making it Spain’s largest expat network.

In addition, the site’s social media engagement numbers over 6,500, and the programme aims to help expat women navigate their way around the unfamiliar country, no matter what their needs. As well as offering members’ advice and help on all expat topics, the site promotes courses, events and seminars on everything from starting a business or training to the investment needed during start-up.

With Spain ranking as number six in a long list of popular destination for Brits seeking overseas work, it’s no surprise that a good number of expat women who’d intended to retire actually re-entered the workforce due to financial necessity. Others arrived as entrepreneurs determined to succeed in their businesses, and all are looking to improve their lifestyles in spite of the economic downturn and rising prices.

Another such is the creator of MoneySaverSpain.com, Maxine Raynor, whose site offers a regular weekly newsletter detailing savvy savings on necessities with special offers and discounts in stores and online. According to Ali Meehan, expat women are using their business skills and knowledge in getting back to work, or creating work and earnings via a hobby.
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