Santa Cruz de Tenerife 8 Mar. (Europa Press) –
Feminist organisations in the Canary Islands have urged the public to mobilise this Saturday in honour of International Women’s Day, 8M, with their primary focuses being the islands’ capitals, Gran Canaria and Tenerife: “From north to south, from east to west. The struggle persists, no matter the cost,” the demonstrators chanted in the capital of Tenerife.
At 11:00 a.m., the Canarian protest commenced in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with a substantial group of citizens, both young and old, marching through the streets towards García Sanabria Park. The day was intertwined with the atmosphere of the capital and punctuated by intermittent rain.
Under the slogan “Together and Combative, we are the alternative. Canarian feminisms in Struggle”, the Tenerife gathering was characterised by its ‘canariety’, featuring assertive polkas and elements of traditional attire, in addition to the vibrancy of carnival spirit. Their presence conveyed what “still” needs to be achieved in terms of equality from the islands, without losing sight of a broader perspective: “Women do not stop, nor bear children for war”, was stated on one of the banners.
“We are indifferent to hate rhetoric or the anti-feminist speeches currently circulating because we are convinced they will fade away, that they will be overcome, and that together worldwide – today we are thousands in the streets – we will uphold what we have fought hard to achieve. We will keep moving forward,” expressed Ana Hernández from the feminist platform 8m in comments to the media.
When questioned about the potential risk of losing “rights that have been secured”, Hernández acknowledged the threat, illustrating it with examples of certain political decisions, such as the “potential increase in military expenditure”, which could lead to a corresponding “reduction in social spending, a crucial element in the struggle against the inequality” faced by women.
Therefore, she continued, the goal today is to “advocate” for a culture of peace and justice. Alongside this idea, she mentioned that the Canarian feminist movement also aims to highlight “internationalism”, with visible support this Saturday during the demonstration for the rights of Saharawi, Palestinian, and African women.
Hernández also elaborated on the perceived divisions within the feminist movement that are often reported in the media. She clarified that the collective advocates for “unity” because, “while there may be points of disagreement, as has always been the case”, it is recognised that feminisms today can “converge”, as there are “common concerns.”
With regard to Canarian demands for equality, the spokesperson for the feminist platform reiterated the call for an “effective struggle” against gender-based violence, as well as against racism. She continued with the ongoing battle to “secure public services for effective support and labour rights”, thus seeking to “overcome the significant feminisation of poverty affecting the Canary Islands.”
The protest in the other capital island, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which began at 12:00, voiced their opposition on Saturday against “hate and fascism”, issues for which, according to their slogan, they demanded “more feminism.”
