An International Women's Day marked by division
On March 8th, Madrid will become the stage for a new feminist demonstration, but this year with a particularity: two different marches will traverse the streets of the capital at the same time. This situation is not new, as divisions within the movement have also been seen in previous years, but the simultaneous timing adds a new level of tension and expectation.
On one side, the Feminist Movement of Madrid has called on its supporters to gather at 12:00 at Cibeles and march towards Plaza de España under the slogan ‘Against patriarchal barbarism, internationalist feminism’. This group emphasizes its fight against all forms of female subjugation, including the use of the veil and prostitution. They assert that these practices are manifestations of control over the female body and advocate for an abolitionist model that guarantees rights and alternatives for those involved in prostitution.
Additionally, they criticize what they consider patriarchal barbarism, pointing out that this violence manifests not only in war conflicts but also in the domestic sphere. The mobilization seeks to highlight how these dynamics affect millions of women both publicly and privately.
In contrast, the 8M Commission, organiser of another simultaneous march, has declared that their call responds to a global context where rights and freedoms are being threatened. Their focus will be to reaffirm feminism as an organised social movement capable of articulating with other social struggles. Their agenda includes demands such as the defence of public services and sexual and reproductive rights.
Although both marches share common objectives related to women's rights, their approaches diverge significantly. The 8M Commission also plans to hold cultural activities after the demonstration to collectively occupy the urban centre.
This year comes with an additional emotional burden due to the alarming rise in cases of gender-based violence in Spain. According to official data, ten women have already been murdered since January due to gender violence. This context has led many feminist organisations to demand more effective legislative measures to protect victims.
Apart from the central theme of International Women's Day, another hot debate is the use of the burka and other garments that partially cover the face. This issue has gained political relevance recently following legislative initiatives proposed by parties like Vox to ban it. However, these proposals have so far been rejected by the Spanish Congress.
As this emblematic date approaches, numerous pending legislative reforms remain crucial for advancing towards real gender equality. Among them is the law against vicarious violence and other regulations related to trafficking and the abolition of prostitution. Feminist organisations continue to pressure the government to prioritise these urgent issues.
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