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March 8 International Women's Day: How Spain celebrates this significant date
Women in Spain have been rallying for equality and recognition every March since the 1970s
Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognising the immense value of women's empowerment, protecting their rights and ensuring they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Spain is no exception, with numerous events and activities taking place across the country to commemorate this special day.
The Spanish government plays a significant role in marking the occasion, hosting official ceremonies to honour the achievements of women and acknowledge the challenges they continue to face. These ceremonies often feature keynote speakers, panel discussions and award presentations to recognise women who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, business, education and the arts.
In addition to government-led initiatives, feminist groups and organisations throughout Spain arrange demonstrations and protests to draw attention to pressing issues affecting women, such as gender-based violence, unequal pay and limited access to reproductive healthcare. These demonstrations provide a platform for women's voices to be heard and serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The History of International Women’s Day
The roots of International Women's Day can be traced back to 1910, when a gathering of women from 17 nations convened in Denmark with a dual purpose: to fortify advancements in gender equality and the defence of women's rights, and to advocate for the universal suffrage of women. At the suggestion of German politician Clara Zetkin, March 8 was designated as International Women's Day.
In Spain, March 8, 1910 also holds great significance as it marked the beginning of women's access to higher education on equal terms with men.
As a consequence of the decision made in Copenhagen that year, International Women's Day was first observed on March 19, 1911 in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland, with rallies attended by more than a million people demanding women's rights to vote, hold public office, work, receive vocational training and be free from discrimination in the workplace.
Since its inception, International Women's Day has served to illuminate the persisting inequalities and discrimination faced by women globally, as well as the urgent need to make their rights a reality.
Key areas of focus include eliminating the wage gap, increasing women's representation in leadership positions and eradicating double working hours by redistributing domestic and care work – also known as unpaid work – more equitably between men and women.
Demonstrations planned to mark International Women’s Day 2024
In Spain, demands for equality were not possible until the end of the Franco dictatorship and in 1978 the country properly joined the feminist struggle. Since then, the rallies and demonstrations have garnered an enormous following of both men and women, although in recent years the movement has suffered a fairly notable division in street protests.
For 2024, the theme chosen is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’ and events are organised up and down the country, but the biggest demonstrations are usually held in the Spanish capital.
So far this year, two opposing rallies have been arranged in Madrid. On one side, the supporters of the Trans Law will be gathered, while on the other, feminists who seek to abolish prostitution and reject the concept of gender self-determination will be present.
On the occasion of March 8, the Feminist Movement of Madrid has announced that it will tour Cibeles and Plaza de España starting at 7pm. However, the opposing 8M Commission has already proposed marching through Atocha and Plaza de España, so both organisations are waiting for official approval.
In order to keep advocating for equal rights, women need to be fighting fit and it's never been more important to take care of feminine health. The Women's Health Clinic in Javea, Alicante, is a nurse-led healthcare facility that is dedicated to providing top-quality women's health services.
As well as help from their specialist nurses to navigate menopause with personalised support, the Clinic offers a range of essential services, including routine cervical smear tests and well woman checks to ensure overall health.
Image: IWD
