Tsunami, 33. Not a Good Moment.

This coming Monday is International Women's Day. Last year, the virus was beginning to pick up steam. People went to the marches and the protests. We went to the one in Santiago. The following weekend, we were locked up at home.

The right-wing and far-right political parties love to incorrectly point out that that march through Madrid was the focal point of the increase in contagion. It wasn't. But they're pretty much against women marching for their rights, so it was only to be expected of them.

To be expected is also all the hullabaloo caused this year by the small marches that have been scheduled. Each march is not to allow more than 500 people, all masked, and as separate from each other as possible. There have been other marches, notably the one celebrating the fallen of the Blue Division that Franco sent to the Soviet Union to fight alongside Hitler's troops, last month. That that march was held wasn't what caused people to complain, but the content of the speeches given. If the speeches hadn't been controversial, no one would have batted an eyelash over the march.

But eyelashes are being batted about the Women's Day marches. Should they be allowed, should they not. So far, the only autonomous region to have prohibted them is Madrid. The reason is the bad epidemiological data of the area. Hmm. If that's so, then why is Madrid the laxest region in Spain regarding bars, restaurants, and gatherings? They'll allow people to congregate inside the enclosed space of a bar, but they won't allow them to walk two meters apart down the street in the open air? 

The only reason people are debating the Women's Day march is because it is about women's rights and equality. "You've got what you wanted, you can open a bank account by yourself, travel without a man, get a job without your husband's consent, what else do you want?" We want recognition as women and as people. We want to be seen as individuals, not the wife of, the daughter of, the sister of, the mother of. Not as a weak creature to protect, whether from our own ignorance or a predator. Not as someone who should guard herself from depraved men. We are ourselves, no more, no less.

Personally, I'm not attending any march this year. I don't think they should be held because of the pandemic. But I also think no other march should be held, either. Yes, there are many right things to protest in this country, but this year is not a year for gathering many different people together physically. Bombard the social media, the news media, every virtual space that people tend to visit and spend a while in. There are many ways to get a message out there and have it be heard, without physical contact.

We are not less than soldiers who fought for freedom's enemies.

Life continues.