INTERNATIONAL Women’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, March 8, and Spain is already preparing cultural events, social gatherings and massive demonstrations in anticipation of this important day of observance. But how did International Women’s Day come about, and what exactly can expatriates expect from March 8, also known as 8M, in Spain?
March 8 is an important date on an international scale, and especially in Spain, where a large part of the population takes action to march in the streets, attend events and spread awareness about the holiday.
International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th-century labour movement. Early and informal “Women’s Day” events existed in 1909, but it was not until 1917 that the holiday became officially recognised. It was officially adopted by the United Nations in 1975.
It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women in regards to their autonomy as well as their economic, social and political freedom, but it is also a day to reflect on current and pressing women’s issues, as well as the long road ahead for progress and equality.
Large demonstrations have become an important part of International Women’s Day on a global scale, and Spain is no exception. Major protests and marches are expected across Spain, especially in large cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Sevilla. These demonstrations primarily protest common women’s issues including violence against women, unequal pay and feminine health issues.
Demonstrations taking place on 8M also tend to encompass other trending or deeply-rooted social and political issues, including racism, general violence and labour rights for all workers, among other topics.
The biggest demonstrations this year will take place in Madrid, which begins at 12:00pm on March 8 and takes off from the Atocha station, and in Barcelona, which has a varied programme across all the neighbourhoods of the city and where the largest marches are expected in hubs like Plaza Catalunya, the Ramblas and Passeig de Gracia. Both cities’ demonstrations are expected to draw crowds of hundreds of thousands of people.
Large strikes may affect traffic in certain towns and cities, and many large hubs across Spain are already alerting the public to possible disruptions in public transport and metro services.
This year, 8M falls on a Sunday, which means most working schedules should not be disrupted by this international day of observance. However, it is notable that in some places, consumer strikes may be called. Partial or general strikes by workers will also depend on individual labour unions and feminist organisations, so it is important to keep up to date with local announcements for any disruptions in certain towns and municipalities.
International Women’s Day is not a public holiday (non-working day) in the official national calendar, but some autonomous communities or localities may decide otherwise in their own calendars.
Purple has been associated with the feminist movement since the early 20th century. Going hand-in-hand with the large, nationwide demonstrations, the colour purple will feature heavily on 8M; it is the emblematic colour of feminism, women’s rights and solidarity, and city and town streets and plazas are expected to light up with purple flags, clothing and banners on March 8.
Even for those who are not living in a major hub like Madrid or Barcelona, local cultural events are already being planned for International Women’s Day. Universities are expected to organise talks, round table discussions or exhibitions about the role of women in the educational sphere; local town councils will typically illuminate buildings in the emblematic colour, purple, and schedule readings of manifestos in main squares; and media and local television stations will dedicate much of their programming to the day, with interviews and documentaries playing.
Local governments may also organise other sporting, leisure or active events to celebrate the day, encouraging residents to participate in the movement and socialise during 8M.
There are many ways to demonstrate solidarity with women and women’s issues. Common ways to celebrate International Women’s Day include:
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