The ancient brotherhood of Cofradia de San Roque in the Spanish Basque country has changed its 411 year old tradition of having a male only lunch after the town´s annual fiestas.It is the town of Llodio in the basque Country where women decided to challenge this tradition.
Two years ago one of Llodio´s residents challenged it as discriminatory and won her case.The brotherhood was ordered to alter their constitution and allow female members.
At the moment only 14 women have chosen to join the more than 400 strong brotherhood.Only one woman asked to go to the luncheon and she sat in the place that would normally have been occupied by her father,who is in prison for his political and ETA activities.Once he is released from prison he will resume his seat.
There was one other woman there and she was invited by the brotherhood for her 38 years of charity work in the town.She is Sister Marina,a local nun.
The fact that these two women sat at this luncheon is a major step forward in the cultural structure of Spain.
