The 8M in Madrid: A Symbol of the Feminist Struggle
This March 8th, International Women's Day, Madrid is preparing for a historic day marked by the division of the feminist movement. For the fifth consecutive year, two distinct marches will traverse the streets of the capital, each with its own slogan and route. This situation has sparked an intense debate about the reasons that have led to this fragmentation.
The first mobilization is organized by the 8M Commission, which under the slogan ‘Anti-fascist feminists. We are more. Everywhere’, will start from Atocha to the Sevilla metro station. The second march, called by the Feminist Movement of Madrid, will carry the message ‘Neither veiled, nor exploited, nor prostituted’, beginning its route at Cibeles and ending at Plaza de España.
The rift between these two currents of Madrid feminism became evident for the first time in 2022 and has continued since then. The differences mainly lie in stances on crucial issues such as the trans law, prostitution, and political matters related to laws like ‘yes means yes’. These divergences have created a tense atmosphere within the movement, where each group defends its particular vision on how to tackle the challenges women face today.
The manifesto of the Feminist Movement of Madrid highlights an internationalist perspective, denouncing how patriarchy affects women around the world, from Gaza to Kabul. This group advocates for an abolitionist model regarding prostitution, arguing that this approach not only saves lives but also provides rights and resources to those who have been involved in this activity.
On the other hand, the manifesto of the 8M Commission criticizes broader social injustices affecting women, including access to public services and basic rights such as adequate housing. In their words: «We are afraid of getting sick without proper medical care; we are terrified of not having a safe home». This approach highlights how economic and social issues are interconnected with feminist struggles.
As both marches prepare to take to the streets this 8M, it is clear that while there are significant differences between them, both share a common goal: to fight for women's rights and equality. The division can be seen as a reflection of broader debates within contemporary feminism and raises important questions about how to move towards a more unified struggle in the face of ongoing challenges.
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