In Spain, discussions on intimate topics related to illness have long been taboo. However, the recent recognition of the podcast Pausa, hosted on the El Confidencial platform, marks a significant development for society. The Gerda Taro prize jury unanimously highlighted the episode ‘El sexo como nunca te lo habían contado,’ released in February 2025, as an example of journalism that challenges perceptions and breaks down stereotypes. This decision underscores the importance of openly addressing issues that affect thousands of people across the country.
The Gerda Taro Prize, established by the Guadalajara Press Association, is awarded for contributions to promoting equality between men and women. This year, the award went to a project that courageously tackled complex topics: how cancer treatment affects sexual life, why doctors and patients often avoid this subject, and what can be done to improve quality of life during and after therapy. According to El Confidencial, podcast host Marta García Aller remarked at the award ceremony that there are still subjects in Spain that people prefer not to discuss and emphasized the important role of journalism in addressing inequality.
Impact on society
The award ceremony sparked widespread response within the professional community. Marta García Aller expressed gratitude to her colleagues and recalled Fernando Ónega, who passed away on the day she received another award, ‘Por la Igualdad.’ She described him as a role model of a free and honest journalist. On the same day, journalist Gloria Magro was awarded for her article on gender inequality in gastronomy, published in El Decano de Guadalajara. She noted that such awards encourage reflection on hidden forms of discrimination that often go unnoticed.
Mar Corral, President of the Guadalajara Press Association, emphasized that overcoming the barriers faced by women requires quality education and independent journalism. According to her, these are the tools capable of changing the situation and bringing society closer to true equality. Regional authorities also supported the idea that journalism should uncover problems that are not always visible at first glance.
Official and public response
During the award ceremony, Rosa María García, a representative of the Junta de Comunidades in Guadalajara, stated that journalists’ mission is not to create noise, but to reveal the truth and draw attention to issues that often remain in the shadows. Minister for Equality Sara Simón added that the Gerda Taro Prize highlights the power of journalism as an agent of change, especially in the fight against misinformation and prejudice. She stressed that women should not accept the gender gap that still exists in Spanish society.
According to El Confidencial, the episode of the Pausa podcast marked a significant step toward breaking the taboo around discussions of sex and health. It features real stories of women facing cancer and offers advice on overcoming personal life challenges during illness. This approach helps not only patients but also doctors, who often struggle to address these topics during consultations.
Context and related events
In recent years, more and more projects in Spain have openly addressed complex social issues. For instance, in 2024, several regional media outlets were recognized for their coverage of women’s rights and efforts to combat workplace discrimination. In 2023, a new initiative was discussed to support women who survived cancer and help them return to active life. Such developments show that Spanish society is becoming more open to dialogue and ready to address topics that were previously considered sensitive. This is also reflected in legislative changes aimed at protecting women’s rights and promoting equality.
