A March 8 marked by division in Madrid's feminism
The International Women's Day is approaching, and Madrid is gearing up for a day that promises to be intense but also polarised. This year, as has been the case since 2022, the Spanish capital will witness two feminist demonstrations that, although they coincide in date and time, diverge in their paths and messages. The fight for gender equality takes different forms on the streets of Madrid.
The first mobilization is organized by the 8M Commission, which will depart from Atocha towards the Sevilla metro station. Its slogan, ‘Anti-fascist feminists. We are more. Everywhere’, aims to unite voices against patriarchy and other forms of social oppression. On the other hand, the Feminist Movement of Madrid will begin its route at Cibeles and end at Plaza de España under the mantra ‘Neither veiled, nor exploited, nor prostituted’. Both marches reflect not only a struggle for women's rights but also a complex political context.
The division between these currents is not new; it began to become evident two years ago due to disagreements over crucial issues such as the trans law, stances on prostitution, and political differences related to laws like ‘yes means yes’. This fracture has led each group to define its own agenda and approach within the feminist movement.
The manifesto of the Feminist Movement of Madrid highlights a global concern for women's rights, emphasising critical situations in places like Palestine or Afghanistan. This group advocates for an abolitionist model regarding prostitution, arguing that this approach can save lives and offer real alternatives to those who have been involved in this activity.
Meanwhile, the manifesto of the 8M Commission emphasises a broader struggle against various forms of macho violence and social inequalities. Its organisers express their fear over everyday issues such as access to basic public services or the economic insecurity faced by many women today.
As both marches prepare to take to the streets this 8M, it is clear that women are ready to raise their voices against a system that still perpetuates inequalities. With a backdrop full of fears —from harassment to femicides— these mobilisations seek to transform that anguish into collective action.
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