Xàbia marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with a programme of reflection and remembrance
Under the motto “In Xàbia we keep fighting for those who are no longer here, and for all of us who remain,” the town pays tribute to victims and promotes collective awareness.
The councillor responsible for Equality in Xàbia, Raquel Violero (PP), has presented the programme of activities for November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This year, Xàbia Council is promoting the campaign under the motto “A Xàbia seguim lluitant per les que ja no estan i per totes les que estem” (“In Xàbia we keep fighting for those who are no longer here, and for all of us who remain”).
Violero explained that the slogan seeks to honour both the victims of gender-based violence and all the women and men who have worked to improve laws and resources aimed at eradicating this social scourge. “We wanted this November 25th to be a day to recognise the fight of those who have contributed to advancing women’s rights and protection, but above all to remember the victims and their families, who continue to suffer the consequences of violence every day,” she said.
The councillor stressed the importance of continuing to make the issue visible from an honest and sensitive perspective: “We can’t romanticise or downplay a painful reality. Behind every case there are names, faces, and stories. And although we wish we didn’t have to hold such sombre press conferences, this one is, because the topic is. But we must keep talking about it and encouraging collective reflection.”
Among the scheduled activities, Violero highlighted the exhibition “Del morado al negro. Violencia de género a través de la prensa gráfica alicantina (2002-2007)”, on loan from the University of Alicante Museum, which opens on 10 January at the Soler Blasco Museum. The exhibition explores real cases of gender violence that occurred in the province and the town itself. “It puts faces and context to a phenomenon that isn’t abstract but very close to home, one that has also affected our own community,” she noted.
The 25N programme also includes the artistic intervention “Retalls amb veu: collage contra la violència de gènere”, led by Mireia Creativa with students from 4th year ESO and adult education (EPA). Using visual materials and critical reflection, the students will create a collective mural to be unveiled during the official ceremony on Tuesday 25th November at 12.00pm in Plaça de l’Església.
Other events include the book presentation “Carlos, a ti quiero contARTE” (14 November), the puppet show “Totes iguals, totes diferents” in local schools, the children’s story “Hansel, Gretel i la rabosa” (21 November), the debate “Reivindiquem la nit” (27 November at the Xàbia Golf Club, organised by the European Women of Marina Alta), the theatre performance “Homenaje a una desconocida” (28 November at the Casa de Cultura), and educational workshops on coeducation and gender violence prevention in collaboration with the UNED.
Violero concluded by stressing that raising awareness requires everyone’s involvement: “No one is immune to suffering or witnessing gender violence. That’s why it’s essential to work with new generations, so they learn from education and healthy relationships to build a society free from violence, but also with the entire community, to understand that, sadly, this issue persists, and only together can we create a safe and caring society.”
