November 25: Honoring Women and Equality
The commemoration highlighted the importance of inclusion, equality and the eradication of gender‑based violence in all its forms.
Event Overview
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura held an institutional ceremony on November 25 at the Insular Youth Centre to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Authorities, local associations and civil‑society representatives attended.
Nahikari Rodríguez, a member of ADIVIA, acted as master of ceremonies. The event opened with a rendition of “Si me matan” by Silvana Estrada, performed by Laura Fernández, a Modern Singing student at the Insular School of Music, accompanied on guitar by Professor Daniel Morales.
Key Statements
“Those figures are not mere numbers; they are lives cut short, families left orphaned and communities left vulnerable.” – Lola García, Island President
Lola García underscored the institution’s commitment to eradicating gender‑based violence and promoting social inclusion. She noted that, so far this year in Spain, 39 women have been murdered by their partners or ex‑partners, leaving 20 minors orphaned. Since 2003, the total reaches 1,334 women.
Víctor Alonso, Councillor for Social Action, emphasized the significance of reflecting on this day:
“Talking about gender violence is not only talking about violence against women; it is speaking about a structural violence fed by inequalities, silences and social disapproval.”
Attendees
- David de Vera, Mayor of Puerto del Rosario
- María Jesús de la Cruz, Island Director of the General State Administration
- Paloma Hernández, Senator
- Councillors and councilwomen of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura
- Various municipal representatives
- Members of the police and security forces
Campaign for Women with Disabilities
The Cabildo joined the Canary Islands Institute for Equality’s campaign, which this year amplifies the voices of women with disabilities. A video titled “Breaking Circles” was shown, highlighting that 35 % of women consider disability a direct consequence of gender‑based violence.
“Violence leaves both visible and invisible scars.” – campaign slogan
Specialized Resources Guide
María Nieves Pérez, psychologist of the Specialized Service for Victims of Gender Violence, presented the Island Guide to Specialized Resources for Victims of Gender Violence. The guide details the network of services available to any woman experiencing gender‑based abuse, including information, counseling, immediate assistance and links to additional support. The guide is accessible on the Cabildo’s website.
Manifesto for an Inclusive Society
Estefanía Amoedo, member of the ADISFUER association, read a manifesto addressing the double discrimination faced by women with disabilities and calling for an accessible, inclusive, violence‑free society.
“Because we want to live, we want to be free, and we want to be respected – speaking in the first person, as a woman and as a person with a disability.”
Closing Ceremony
The event concluded with a second musical performance: Laura Fernández and Daniel Morales interpreted “María la curandera” by Natalia Lafourcade. Flower bouquets were presented to distinguished participants by Lola García, David de Vera and Tourism, Blue Economy and Biosphere Reserve Councillor Marlene Figueroa. A minute of silence honored women who have fallen victim to gender‑based violence.