Two separate 8M marches in Barcelona reveal deep feminist divisions

Disagreements over prostitution abolition and trans rights split the International Women's Day rallies.

Generic image of a crowd at a demonstration for International Women's Day.
IA

Generic image of a crowd at a demonstration for International Women's Day.

The city of Barcelona is hosting two distinct International Women's Day demonstrations this March 8th, highlighting a growing rift within the feminist movement over key legislative issues.

The mainstream rally focuses on intersectionality, opposing racism and LGTBIQA+phobia. Activists like Daniela Figueroa emphasize that the movement must address global violence, including the situation in Gaza and the Mediterranean migrant crisis.
Conversely, the 8M Coordinator, led by Sílvia Carrasco, advocates for the 'Nordic model' to abolish prostitution. They argue that Barcelona has become a hub for sexual exploitation, particularly during major events like the Mobile World Congress.

"Prostitution is sexual violence against the poorest and most vulnerable women."

Sílvia Carrasco · President of Feministes de Catalunya
Economic inequality remains a central theme. Reports from Gestha show a significant gender pay gap of over 5,000 euros annually in Spain, a disparity that increases as female workers age.