Every year on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women and raising awareness about the ongoing struggles for gender equality.

In Spain, this day is particularly significant, with massive demonstrations, events, and sometimes even strikes held to highlight women’s contributions to society. From politics and science to sports and entertainment, Spanish women have left a significant mark, both in history and today.

In this article, we will take a look at the history of International Women’s Day. We will highlight some of Spain’s most inspiring women and how this important date is marked in Spain.

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A Brief History of International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day has its roots in early 20th-century labor movements. In 1908, thousands of women in New York protested for better working conditions, higher wages, and voting rights. Inspired by this, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual Women’s Day at a 1910 international conference, and the idea quickly spread. In 1917, Russian women’s protests on March 8 played a key role in sparking the Russian Revolution, leading to the date’s international recognition. The United Nations officially adopted it in 1977, and since then, it has become a global movement for gender equality.

How is IWD Celebrated in Spain?

Spain has one of the largest International Women’s Day movements in Europe, with massive demonstrations across major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla. The day is often marked by:

• Protests and marches demanding gender equality, better pay, and reproductive rights.
• Strikes in some sectors, particularly by women advocating for labor rights.
• Cultural events including exhibitions, talks, and performances celebrating women’s contributions.
• Wearing purple, the color associated with feminism and women’s rights.

In recent years, Spain’s 8M Movement (‘8 de marzo’) has gained momentum, organizing large-scale rallies that have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.

Spanish Women Who Made a Difference

Spain is known for its remarkable women who have paved the way for future generations. Here are just a few:

Clara Campoamor (1888–1972) was a pioneering lawyer and politician and is best known for her tireless work in securing women’s right to vote in Spain in 1931. As one of the few women in Spain’s political arena at the time, she advocated for women’s political rights and equality. Her work changed the lives of Spanish women and her legacy also made a lasting impact on women’s rights worldwide. Campoamor’s courage and determination have made her a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere.

María Teresa Fernández de la Vega (b. 1949) made history as Spain’s first female Deputy Prime Minister, serving from 2004 to 2010. A trailblazer in politics, she became one of the highest-ranking women in the Spanish government, fighting for policies to advance gender equality and women’s rights. She also played a key role in Spain’s response to the global financial crisis, all while pushing for greater representation of women in politics. Throughout her career, Fernández de la Vega has been an advocate for women’s empowerment, education, and the protection of human rights.

María Blasco (b. 1965) is a leading cancer researcher whose groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the field of genetics. As the director of the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Blasco has led pioneering research on telomeres and their relationship to aging and cancer. Her studies have opened new pathways for understanding how the body ages and how certain diseases, like cancer, develop. Blasco’s scientific contributions continue to shape the future of medical research, making her an inspiring figure in the fight against cancer and aging-related diseases.

Penélope Cruz (b. 1974) is one of Spain’s most celebrated actresses, known worldwide for her incredible talent. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, a Spanish-speaking performance that made her win even more impressive. Cruz has shown her wide range of acting skills in numerous films, especially her collaborations with renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar. Films like Volver and Pain and Glory highlighted her range and deep connection to Spanish cinema. Cruz’s hard work and dedication have inspired aspiring actresses everywhere.

Beyond her acting, she also uses her fame to support causes like women’s rights and humanitarian issues. Her success has solidified her as a powerful figure in both Spain and globally.

Alexia Putellas (b. 1994) is one of the best female football players in the world, and her accomplishments on the field have earned her global recognition. As a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, she has become a symbol of excellence in sports. She has helped propel women’s football to new heights, not just in Spain but around the world. Her success has played a key role in raising the profile of women’s sports and inspiring young girls to pursue football.

Rosalía (b. 1992) is a global music sensation who has revolutionized the traditional sounds of flamenco by blending them with contemporary genres like reggaeton and pop. She became internationally famous with hits like Malamente and Pienso en tu mirá, showing that Spanish-language music can reach audiences worldwide. Rosalía’s creativity and bold approach have earned her a huge following, and she continues to break boundaries in the music industry.

Why International Women’s Day Matters

While we’ve made progress, there’s still a lot to be done to achieve gender equality. For instance, women around the world still earn about 23% less than men for the same work. Female-led businesses also struggle to get funding, receiving just 2.3% of all venture capital. However, things can improve when men and women work together. Studies show that companies with more women in leadership roles tend to do better financially, with some research showing they are 21% more likely to be more profitable. When men and women collaborate, it brings different ideas, better decisions, and more innovation. Closing the gender gap can lead to a fairer and more successful future for everyone.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over. Celebrating this day helps raise awareness and keeps the conversation going, pushing us closer to a future where men and women have equal opportunities. It’s not just about recognizing past achievements, it’s also about continuing the work to make sure there is a fair and equal world for everyone.

As we celebrate the achievements of women today, it’s important to keep the conversation going. Think about the women who inspire you, whether they’re public figures or personal role models. Feel free to share their stories and how they’ve made an impact in the comments. Let’s continue to highlight the women shaping our world, both now and in the future.

Main image: Shutterstock/Prostock-studio