Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Andalucia on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day.
Marches were held in every province calling for gender equality and an end to violence against women.
Police estimate around 40,000 people joined demonstrations across the region, organised by feminist groups, unions and political organisations.
Protesters demanded real equality in society, stronger action against sexism and the eradication of gender-based violence.
This year’s marches also highlighted concerns over problems in Spain’s public healthcare system, particularly delays in breast cancer screening programmes, as well as calls for peace amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The largest demonstration took place in Granada, where around 13,000 people marched between Jardines del Triunfo and Paseo del Salon.
The protest, organised by the Plataforma de Mujeres 8M/25N and Espacio Unitario Feminista, took place under the slogan ‘More than a day: memory and present’ and concluded with the reading of a manifesto after a programme of activities throughout the day.
In Sevilla, about 7,500 people attended two separate marches organised by different feminist groups.
Demonstrators carried messages defending equality and protesting against gender violence, including violence against children used as a tool of abuse.
Calls for peace and criticism of the healthcare crisis were also prominent themes during the rallies.
In Malaga, around 5,000 people marched through the city centre from Plaza de la Merced to Plaza Enrique García Herrera under the banner ‘For women’s rights, health and peace.’
Elsewhere, 2,500 people gathered in Cadiz, marching from Plaza Asdrúbal to San Juan de Dios before a day of events including carnival performances and open-mic speeches.
In Huelva and Cordoba, protests each drew around 3,000 participants, while around 2,000 people joined the march in Jaen.
In Almeria, the feminist movement was divided and two separate demonstrations were organised, with the morning protest attracting roughly 1,000 people according to police estimates.
Despite divisions in some cities, the marches once again saw thousands gather across the region to demand progress on women’s rights and equality.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
