Barcelona will once again host two major feminist demonstrations this International Women’s Day, as differing ideologies within the movement prepare to take to the city’s streets on Sunday, 8 March 2026. For the second consecutive year, the city will see separate marches, underscoring a persistent schism over key feminist principles.
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The split, which first became apparent in 2025, centres on the inclusion of transgender women. The traditional unitary march, organised by Assemblea 8M, maintains a trans-inclusive stance. However, a breakaway faction, Moviment Feminista de Barcelona, was formed by groups who, according to reports in El Periódico, oppose including trans women as subjects of feminism. Despite their differences, both organisations stress the importance of mobilising to fight for women’s rights and visibility.
Assemblea 8M: The Unitary Transfeminist March
Assemblea 8M will hold its main unitary demonstration, scheduled to begin at 11:30 AM at the Jardinets de Gràcia. From there, demonstrators will proceed down the iconic Passeig de Gràcia, turning onto Ronda Sant Pere before crossing Plaça de Catalunya. The route will conclude at the Arc de Triomf, where a final act will take place on Passeig de Lluís Companys.
This year’s theme directly responds to what organisers call a “global reactionary onslaught.” Their slogan is “Ni un pas enrere. Lluita transfeminista davant l’imperialisme colonial i feixista” (Not one step back. Transfeminist struggle against colonial and fascist imperialism).
In a press conference, as reported by Europa Press, the assembly outlined a broad platform addressing global crises. “We shout loud and clear ‘no’ to far-right policies, racism, hate speech, anti-feminism, and LGTBIQA+phobia,” their manifesto states. It also denounces rising militarism, repressive migration policies, armed conflicts from Palestine to Sudan, the care crisis, precarious labour, and the feminisation of poverty.
“The right is advancing and aims to send women back home, to make them obedient and strip them of their freedom,” warned Ca La Dona activist Merche Alvira, emphasising that while many rights have been won, much work remains.
The demonstration will also advocate for universal public healthcare, co-education, and the repeal of Spain’s Immigration Law, alongside full protection for sex workers and trans and non-binary people.
Moviment Feminista de Barcelona: A Focus on Women’s Unity
Moviment Feminista de Barcelona will hold its second major demonstration, commencing at 12:00 PM from Plaça de Catalunya. This march will follow a different route, heading down Carrer Fontanella and Via Laietana before ending at Passeig Picasso, where a manifesto will be read.
This group’s focus is on denouncing male violence, the exploitation of women’s bodies and labour, and the principle that women’s rights are non-negotiable. Their messaging prioritises the strength found in female unity. “We go out with energy, unity, and consciousness. Because we are a network. Because we are a struggle. Because when women organise, history moves,” the group declared on its official channels.
The ‘Great Unfinished Task’ of Engaging Men
These marches occur amidst growing concerns about a backlash against feminism, particularly among young men. Catalonia’s Minister of Equality and Feminism, Eva Menor, recently highlighted this trend, describing the effective engagement of men as the movement’s “great unfinished task.”
Menor pointed to recent studies, including one from the Institute of Political and Social Sciences (ICPS), revealing a troubling number of young men deny gender inequality. Far-right narratives appear to fuel this phenomenon, a trend Barna.News previously explored in its analysis of the Catalan youth’s right-wing shift. “We need to talk less to young people and let them talk more among themselves,” Menor argued, advocating for dialogue over blame to foster shared responsibility in the fight for equality.
Beyond the main demonstrations, the Barcelona City Council will also hold institutional events. On 6 March, an official manifesto will be read in Plaça de Sant Jaume, and the city hall balcony will display a banner with the slogan “Trenquem els estereotips” (Let’s break stereotypes). The council will also present the 40th edition of the ‘Premi 8 de Març – Maria Aurèlia Capmany’ award, which recognises projects aimed at dismantling gender clichés.
