Mijas has launched the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign, a UK-originated initiative aimed at preventing gender-based violence and supporting women who feel unsafe in public spaces, particularly in bars and nightclubs.
The campaign was introduced by Mijas Mayor and Equality Department head, Ana Mata, during a press conference on Thursday, June 26.
The ‘Ask for Angela’ programme allows women who feel threatened or at risk to discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking for ‘Ángela’. This codeword signals to staff that the person needs assistance, which will trigger a protocol to provide support without alerting potential aggressors. The initiative, promoted by the Viogenex Group (Gender Violence Against Foreign Women), targets both physical and psychological threats in public establishments.
Viogenex, a collaborative effort involving Mijas’ Foreigners Department and Family, Equality, and Social Inclusion Departments; local police; Guardia Civil; Soroptimist International Costa del Sol; Red Cross; La Cala Lions Club; Age Care; and Málaga Acoge, aims to protect women in vulnerable situations. Mayor Mata remarked on the involvement of 50 establishments in La Cala and Mijas Pueblo already participating in the campaign.
“Mijas Council is working comprehensively to combat gender-based violence,” said Mata. “Our Foreigners Department has shown particular sensitivity, collaborating with local associations to promote initiatives like this.” She also praised the efforts of Viogenex and Viogen, Spain’s integrated gender violence monitoring system, which currently manages 315 active cases in Mijas.
The mayor expressed gratitude to the organisations involved in Viogenex for their ongoing commitment to monitoring and addressing gender violence in the community, stressing the importance of community action in supporting such campaigns.
