International Women’s Day: Large demonstrations in France and Spain

“When women stop, everything stops!” Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris and many other cities in France today to denounce the inequalities against them, which have been exacerbated by the health crisis.

Wage inequalities, discrimination, racial violence: The “first in the chores” went on a “feminist strike”, as the banner at the head of their march read, in Paris. According to the organizers, at least 30,000 people participated in the mobilization, in a festive atmosphere.

“It is a pity that we are protesting today, in 2021, to demand equal rights,” said Lucy, a 22-year-old student, commenting that “the pandemic has led to a decline in women’s rights.”

In Strasbourg, about 350 people, including about 100 midwives dressed as “purple slaves” – the slave women of Margaret Atwood’s book – also protested, demanding equality in the workplace. “This fight is not just for women. “Men have a role to play in raising awareness of inequalities,” said Samuel More, a 30-year-old firefighter.

On the occasion of today’s Women’s Day, the workers were called to stop their work at 15.40. Theoretically, from now on, they stop being paid for their work, given the pay inequalities between men and women, which amount to about 25%. In a joint statement, seven of the eight major unions called for negotiations to re-evaluate the wages of women-dominated professions.

“It is completely abnormal, I would dare to say scandalous, that for equal work, even if progress has been made, the salary is still not equal. “It’s inexplicable,” said Prime Minister Jean-Castex. The prime minister assured that his priority is “the fight against violence against women” and “the reform of the alimony system”.

Thousands of women on the streets of Spain claiming equal rights

Holding placards with slogans such as “Respect my existence or expect my resistance”, thousands of women took to the streets of Spain today to protest against violence against women and to support equal rights on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

The largest march took place in Barcelona, ​​where several thousand protesters gathered in the city center, most of them wearing purple clothes and holding placards with slogans: “It will be a happy day when none of us will be missing.”

The demonstration was authorized by the authorities, with the participation being set at 3,500 people, who, under government directives, were required to abide by the rules of social distancing due to the pandemic.

In Madrid, authorities banned Women’s Day rallies amid criticism that last year’s rallies helped spread the coronavirus.

However, in defiance of the ban, about 50 women demonstrated in Puerta del Sol. Some held placards reading: “Male violence is also a pandemic.”

Policemen standing nearby during the protest.

“We are here to demand the right of women to protest. It is outrageous that the so-called most feminist government in history bans women from marching on March 8,” said Josefina Martinez, a 42-year-old feminist spokeswoman.

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