The Canary Islands saw a powerful display of feminist solidarity on the 8th of March, as thousands of people took to the streets across the archipelago to mark International Women's Day. Demonstrators rallied under the slogan "Against hate and fascism, more feminism!" in the capital of Gran Canaria, with similar sentiments echoed on the other islands.
In Tenerife, marchers gathered under the banner "Together and combative, we are the alternative. Canarian feminisms in struggle," while Lanzarote demonstrators led their march with a striking sign reading “Against sexist violence, feminist resistance.” The events took place despite rainy weather and the ongoing Carnival celebrations, highlighting the depth of commitment to the cause.
A Purple Tide of Defiance and Hope
The streets of the Canary Islands turned into a sea of purple as participants called for greater equality, human rights, and an end to violence against women. Chanting that "the patriarchy is going to fall" and "no woman is illegal," the marchers demonstrated a united front against oppression.
The Gran Canaria Feminist Network, celebrating its 25th anniversary, led the calls for stronger equality policies. Their manifesto highlighted critical issues such as the gender wage gap and the pervasive discrimination faced by women. It also condemned the global rise of reactionary movements, stating firmly, “They are in the wrong century if they think we are going to go back.”
Addressing Online Hostility and Youthful Sexism
The manifesto took a strong stance against the rising tide of online hostility directed at women. The network emphasized the increase in cyber violence and a worrying trend of growing sexism among boys, influenced by hate speech and fascist rhetoric.
They warned that societal messages were leading young people to dehumanise and objectify women, starkly observing, “Girls are increasingly feminist, and boys increasingly sexist.”
Despite years of campaigning, the network criticised the continued absence of effective affective-sexual education, which they believe is crucial to reversing this trend.
International Solidarity and Local Awards
The Gran Canaria Feminist Network extended solidarity to feminist movements worldwide, particularly highlighting the LGTBI pride march in Argentina and the plight of Palestinian women enduring what they described as genocide in Gaza. The Association of Women for Peace was honoured with the Berta Cáceres award for their work defending Palestinian human rights.
Locally, the network highlighted economic challenges disproportionately affecting women. Many women remain trapped in low-paying jobs or reduced work hours due to caregiving responsibilities, pushing them to the edge of social exclusion. Single mothers, in particular, face heightened risks of poverty without adequate institutional support.
Calls for Policy Reform and Government Criticism
The manifesto demanded public policies with a gender perspective to bridge the economic gap. It called for shared responsibility between men and women and increased public resources for child, elderly, and dependent care services.
The Canary Islands Government did not escape criticism. The Feminist Network awarded a broom as a prize to the government to "clean up the mess they leave behind," accusing the Institute for Equality of lacking social impact.
The Agaete Council and its former mayor received the "esparto scouring pad" award for not adequately supporting women victims of gender-based violence. Naviera Armas, a ferry company, was given the "glittering scouring pad" award for retaining an employee convicted of sexual harassment and abuse. The "scourge of shame" was directed at "patriarchal justice," with accusations of failing to enforce laws and protocols to protect gender violence victims.
Demanding Stronger Systems in Lanzarote and Tenerife
In Lanzarote, Carmen Delia Reyes, vice president of the Mararía Association, read a manifesto advocating for stronger health and education systems to combat gender violence. The manifesto presented stark statistics: 94 women were murdered in Spain in 2024, with daily reports of rape and sexual assault. Many victims, they noted, remain silent due to fear or lack of support.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the march began at Plaza de la Paz and concluded at García Sanabria Park, where women of diverse backgrounds read a protest manifesto. They reiterated demands for an end to harassment and humiliation, especially in workplace environments.
This year's 8M demonstrations sent a clear and powerful message: the women of the Canary Islands remain steadfast in their fight for equality. They declared that any regression in their hard-won rights would not be tolerated, signalling a continued struggle against sexism, hate, and injustice.
