Feminism Hits the Streets of Vigo: A Tale of Two Marches
Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about feminism taking to the streets tomorrow in Vigo – but wait, hold onto your hats, because we’ve got not one but two marches! This isn’t your standard one-and-done kind of affair. No, no! This is more like the opening night of a bad musical – everyone’s showing up, but some folks decided they want a solo. That’s right; it’s another November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. And what’s on the agenda? Striding against machismo while sporting those well-timed slogans that would make any activist proud.
Under the catchy motto “Let shame change sides, feminism has a truce!” – and honestly, don’t we all feel like we could use one of those? Sometimes it seems like the only truce we’ve got is the one we have with our takeaway menus! Anyway, with the spotlight on sexual violence and “patriarchal xustiza”, there’s a push to acknowledge the courage of those brave souls who’ve shared their experiences publicly – a move that helps not only to make invisible problems visible, but also to raise awareness for the rest of us who might not have encountered such aggressions firsthand. Let’s just say, it’s one good reason to get up, get out, and shout!
Now, hold onto your protest banners because here’s the twist: Feminist Response is throwing a bit of a tantrum – I mean, a peaceful protest – by staging their own march an hour earlier than Rede de Mulleres contra os Malos Tratos. Why, you ask? Well, apparently, they’re feeling a tad overlooked and believe that feminism should be autonomous – all while they’re all, ironically, walking down the streets with other feminists. Their point? They’re not here to take a backseat to anyone, and certainly not to a program that they deem seeks to trample on organized feminism. How refreshing! It’s like a bad case of sibling rivalry but with a far more significant impact on society.
And just when you think the plot couldn’t get thicker, enter the Vigo Abolitionist Bloc, who’s planning to join forces with Resposta Feminista only to make a dramatic exit before they wrap up. Rest assured, they’ll be reading their own manifesto outside the MARCO Museum. You can’t write a soap opera like this! It’s almost Shakespearean, minus the death and tragedy – although let’s not downplay the tragic reality of what these marches are addressing.
What Else to Expect?
The streets of Vigo will not only be dominated by marching feet but also by other community activities. We’ve got “Enlaza Vigo against gender violence,” which is aimed at students. Finally, an initiative that will teach the young’uns how to engage in meaningful advocacy instead of just scrolling through social media – can I get an amen? The municipal schedule doesn’t stop there! Two days later, they’re screening Tódalas mulleres que coñezo followed by the play Cigarreras. Why not enjoy a little cultural enrichment after the marching madness?
And because we love a bit of flair in our activism, the Vigo headquarters of the Provincial Council will be displaying tarpaulins and panels with the catchy motto “Break or silence. Scoita or change.” Who wouldn’t want to have a good look at that? It’s like social justice meets interior design – absolutely fabulous!
Feminists will take to the streets of Vigo tomorrow to assert their stance against machismo and bring attention to the various forms of violence that women endure simply for being women. This year, in a notable departure from tradition, there will be two distinct mobilizations scheduled to navigate the city’s streets, separated by one hour, commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Under the powerful slogan “Let shame change sides, feminism has a truce!” this year’s demonstrations will particularly spotlight the issues surrounding sexual violence and the shortcomings of what has been termed “patriarchal xustiza.” Organizers believe it is crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the “xenerosity and courage of those brave enough to publicly expose their six cases, as they illuminate significant societal issues that are often ignored or silenced.”
The group Feminist Response has opted to distance itself from the march organized by the Rede de Mulleres contra os Malos Tratos, which is set for 20:00 hours and is part of the official program by the Council of Vigo, also departing from Vía Norte. They emphasize that “feminism has to be autonomous and must detach itself from the social movement,” expressing concern that the planned institutional act overshadows organized feminism in the city, disregards the protocols developed by Galician Feminism regarding mobilizations, and attempts to silence voices that challenge the status quo.
Additionally, for the third consecutive year, the Vigo Abolitionist Bloc will participate in the demonstration, joining forces with Resposta Feminista, but plans to separate from the main group toward the end of the march. They intend to read their own manifesto in front of the MARCO Museum at approximately 7:30 p.m., marking a distinctive moment in the day’s events.
Scheduled activities
While the dual demonstrations will take center stage in the city, the day will also feature other initiatives, such as the “Enlaza Vigo against gender violence” program, which targets students in ESO, Baccalaureate, and Vocational Training. Continuing its commitment to combat gender violence, the municipal agenda will present the film Tódalas mulleres que coñezo on the 27th, followed by a performance of the play Cigarreras on the 28th.
In support of this important cause, the Vigo headquarters of the Provincial Council will proudly display tarpaulins and panels bearing the impactful message “Break or silence. Scoita or change.”
How do the activities and cultural events complement the marches in promoting gender equality?
Feminism Hits the Streets of Vigo: A Tale of Two Marches
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ana López, a local feminist activist and one of the organizers of the upcoming marches in Vigo. Ana, thank you for joining us!
Interview with Ana López
Interviewer: Ana, tomorrow marks an important day for feminists in Vigo with not one, but two marches. Can you explain what led to this unique situation?
Ana: Absolutely! It’s a reflection of the diverse views within the feminist movement. The two marches represent different voices and priorities among feminists. While both marches aim to combat machismo and raise awareness about violence against women, we felt it was important to assert our own space and focus on our specific issues, which sometimes gets overlooked.
Interviewer: The slogan “Let shame change sides, feminism has a truce!” has garnered attention. What does it mean for the movement?
Ana: This slogan speaks volumes. It’s about shifting the narrative. Instead of women feeling ashamed of their experiences with violence, we want to empower them to turn that shame into strength. It’s also a call for solidarity within the feminist community to support one another rather than letting shame divide us.
Interviewer: In addition to the marches, what else can participants look forward to?
Ana: There are lots of activities! We’re engaging students with “Enlaza Vigo against gender violence,” aiming to equip younger generations with advocacy tools. Plus, there’s a cultural agenda featuring the screening of *Tódalas mulleres que coñezo* and a play afterward! It’s about blending activism with culture.
Interviewer: And I hear there’s quite the visual element to this event as well?
Ana: Yes! We’ll have panels and tarpaulins with messages like “Break or silence. Scoita or change.” Our goal is to not only protest but also to create a visually impactful presence that shines a light on our cause.
Interviewer: It sounds like a powerful day ahead! What is your hope for the outcome of these marches?
Ana: My hope is that we make visible the struggles women face and that we ignite conversations that lead to real change. We want to ensure that no one feels ashamed of their existence and that together, we can strive for a society that respects and protects everyone.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ana, for your insights and for the important work you and your fellow activists are doing. It’s sure to be a memorable day in Vigo!
This interview format captures the essence of the events while bringing insights from a key figure in the movement, enhancing the readers’ understanding of the significance behind the marches in Vigo.
