Spain gender violence protests saw thousands of demonstrators take to the streets across the country on November 25th, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville witnessed vibrant purple-clad marches demanding stronger action against gender-based violence and condemning what organisers called “institutional abandonment.”
Spain Gender Violence Protests Span Multiple Cities
In Madrid, two separate marches organised by different feminist groups saw approximately 5,000 participants according to government estimates.
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The first demonstration, led by the Foro de Madrid 25N and Madrid Feminist Movement, featured prominent political figures including Equality Minister Ana Redondo. Meanwhile, the second march organised by the 8M Commission attracted Podemos leader Ione Belarra, who criticised the conservative PP party as “a danger for women.”
Minister Redondo emphasised the government’s commitment to advancing gender equality policies. Furthermore, she specifically called out political opponents for what she described as attempts to “swim and keep their clothes” regarding violence against women. Consequently, the political divisions highlighted ongoing tensions in Spain’s approach to gender violence prevention.
Barcelona’s main demonstration saw around 1,400 participants according to local police estimates. The march, organised by Novembre Feminista, departed from Plaça Universitat and proceeded through the city centre. Marisa Fernández, spokesperson for the organising platform, highlighted the challenges of combating gender violence with current laws and judicial interpretations, demanding “more resources” to address the issue comprehensively.
Political Divisions and Unified Demands
The Barcelona protest specifically called for resistance against what organisers termed “reactionary sectors trying to cut back rights” amid rising denialism about gender violence. The manifesto emphasised stopping “the advance of conservative and fascist discourses that not only try to erase rights won, but deliberately lie.” This sentiment reflects broader concerns about political shifts affecting women’s rights across Spain.
In Valencia, approximately 2,000 demonstrators marched through the city centre demanding “the elimination of all forms of violence against women.” Government delegate Pilar Bernabé connected the protests to upcoming political negotiations, warning that “pacting with denialists has terrible consequences.” The demonstration criticised deteriorating public services and called for an end to aggressor impunity.
Seville witnessed divided but simultaneous feminist marches totaling around 1,000 participants. However, Irene García of Izquierda Unida expressed optimism about eventual reunification, stating: “My feeling is that we’re moving toward a unified feminist movement because the offensive against women must find us all together.” This reflects ongoing efforts to bridge ideological divides within the movement.
The nationwide protests occurred against a backdrop of concerning statistics, with 38 women killed by gender violence in Spain during 2025. Additionally, organisers highlighted broader issues including digital, institutional, and workplace violence that often remain invisible in public discourse. The demonstrations represent growing public pressure for comprehensive policy changes addressing gender violence at multiple levels.
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