Tenerife Women's Day Protest Targets War, Far-Right
A feminist protest in Tenerife marking International Women's Day on Sunday expanded its focus from violence against women to strongly oppose armed conflicts, totalitarian movements, and increasing militarization.
This Sunday in Tenerife, International Women's Day (March 8th) was marked by a feminist protest. While still addressing the usual issues of violence against women, the demonstration also strongly opposed armed conflicts and the rise of totalitarian movements. The organizers, the Feminist Platform 8M of Tenerife, spoke out against "patriarchal capitalism" and increasing militarization. This was particularly significant for Tenerife, an island with a strong strategic military presence.
The demonstration started at 12:00 PM from the Flower Clock in García Sanabria Park. It drew people of all ages, including families, and marched through central areas like Weyler Square and Castillo Street, ending at Candelaria Square. There, with a large crowd present, the movement's manifesto was read aloud. An hour before the march began, a banner-making workshop was held near the starting point, encouraging people to get involved.
One of the most prominent slogans was "No to war!", which the organizers said was a key message of the day. Spokeswomen for the Feminist Platform 8M of Tenerife stressed the importance of this fight, connecting it directly to protecting lives and stopping new conflicts from beginning, especially those claiming to act in the name of women. They see this stance as crucial given the global rise in tensions and militarization, which the local feminist movement views as a direct threat.
The protest also raised concerns about the growing influence of the far-right and totalitarian regimes, pointing out that LGTBIQ+ and migrant communities are often their primary targets. Speakers highlighted the murders of many women, not just in the Canary Islands or Spain, but worldwide. They declared that ordinary citizens, led by the feminist movement, are the only power strong enough to halt current armed conflicts.
Ana María Hernández, a spokesperson for the Platform, explained that the new route for the demonstration aimed for greater visibility and to involve more families. This was also strategic, as March 8th will fall on a Sunday in 2026, making it easier for families to attend. This strategic change highlights their goal to broaden support for feminist causes, which, this time, went beyond traditional demands to include a strong pacifist and anti-fascist message.