A Celebration of Empowerment: The International Women’s Day March in Puerto del Rosario
On Saturday, hundreds gathered in Puerto del Rosario to commemorate International Women’s Day, organized by local citizens and the Feminist Network of Fuerteventura. With estimates of participation ranging from 300 to upwards of 800 individuals, the event showcased community solidarity and a collective call for gender equality.
Community Engagement Kicks Off the Day
The day commenced at 11:00 AM with an interactive space, encouraging attendees to create advocacy posters and share messages in what was dubbed the “Violet Mailbox.” This engaging activity allowed participants to express their thoughts and feelings creatively before the march began at 11:30 AM. The procession started from the Insular Directorate of the General State Administration and wove through various streets of Fuerteventura’s capital.
A Day Filled with Art and Activism
The day’s agenda was packed with powerful moments, including the reading of the official March 8 manifesto. This declaration condemned the rise of reactionary and fascist rhetoric globally, highlighting ongoing wars and conflicts’ harsh impacts on lives. It emphasized that women’s rights are still under threat and underscored the urgent need to reinforce equality policies and measures against male violence.
Artistic Expression as a Form of Protest
Participants enjoyed various artistic interventions throughout the day, including two collective performances involving audience participation. Attendees shared snippets of songs that resonated with the collective spirit of the event, while a dedicated artistic segment featured poetic and musical contributions. This blend of art and activism created a vibrant atmosphere, culminating in an open mic session. Here, various participants offered personal reflections and testimonials, enriching the day’s discussions with lived experiences.
The journey through the heart of Puerto del Rosario, combined with cultural interventions and civic participation, marked this march as a significant social event.
Accessibility at the Forefront
The event prioritized accessibility, integrating features like sign language interpretation for the manifesto reading and support options for individuals with disabilities. The organizing committee also prepared an accessible poster for visually impaired attendees, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity.
Key Demands of the Manifesto
The manifesto laid out specific feminist demands at both local and regional levels, addressing political decisions surrounding equality and gender-based violence. Among these was the call for the restoration of a crucial Gender Equality Promotion Higher Vocational Training cycle, which had been curtailed in five out of six centers in the Canary Islands. This vocational program was the only specialized course in the archipelago, preparing professionals to develop and implement gender equality policies.
The Feminist Network of Fuerteventura sent a resolute letter to the regional government, stating unequivocally, “Training in equality is non-negotiable. Public education must not be cut. Our rights are not up for discussion.”
Highlighting Local Feminist Heroes
In addition to broader demands, the march also addressed local issues, particularly a resolution approved by the City Council of Puerto del Rosario in March 2023. This resolution aimed to honor feminist activist Lorenza Machín Alarcón by dedicating a street or public space to her. However, three years have passed since the proposal’s approval, with no tangible progress to date.
Symbolic Acts of Remembrance
A poignant proposal called “The Letter That Never Arrived” was introduced as a symbolic action to honor women lost to gender violence, minors who suffered through family violence, and those still facing male aggression. This initiative was designed as a self-managed activity requiring only a municipal authorization based on environmental regulations for public space use. Despite the request being submitted to multiple city departments, the necessary permission remained unresolved.
According to the organizing body, they remain hopeful for a response from the City Council before November 25, recognized globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Continuous Vigilance for Change
The mobilization in Puerto del Rosario demonstrated strong community involvement, although the presence of institutional representatives was notably limited. The Feminist Network of Fuerteventura stated their commitment to staying vigilant regarding public administration actions related to equality and the fight against gender violence.
In celebrating International Women’s Day, the event encapsulated not just a moment of remembrance but a proactive stance on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Fuerteventura and beyond.
