Algaida Commemorates International Women's Day: Reflecting On Historical Struggles And Current Advocacy.pdf

The Ajuntament d' Algaida issues an institutional declaration to commemorate the International Women's Day on March 8th, acknowledging that this year is different due to the pandemic, with no marches or rallies as in previous years. However, they continue to support the day's demands for gender equality. The origins of International Women's Day trace back to the 1857 North American textile workers' strike and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York on March 25, 1911, which resulted in 142 deaths after a significant strike for better working conditions.

Since 2018, the feminist movement has called for strikes to highlight women's roles in caregiving, address wage gaps, emphasize their economic influence, and point out disparities in leadership opportunities despite equal or superior education compared to men. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted these issues, with women comprising a significant portion of essential workers: 70% in healthcare and social services, 83% as nurses, 98% in domestic work, 85.84% in cleaning, and 67% in education.

Data from Mallorca shows that 22% of women have seen reduced income due to the pandemic, with a 13% loss of income entirely, and female unemployment at 17.6%. The declaration emphasizes the essential role of women, especially during recovery efforts, echoing the 2018 slogan "If women stop, the world stops."

The Ajuntament d' Algaida commits to advancing feminist policies by promoting equality plans, encouraging shared caregiving responsibilities, increasing women's participation in decision-making, and supporting their economic, social, and political leadership. They aim to center municipal policies on people's lives and care, enhance environmental sustainability, improve responses to the realities faced by women and girls, collaborate with other municipalities to combat gender-based violence, promote inclusion respecting diversity, support older women's well-being, and maintain progress in gender equality without regression.

The declaration underscores the importance of institutional collaboration with feminist organizations worldwide to achieve gender equality and eliminate discrimination against women and girls. It concludes by affirming that women are essential and indispensable, presenting this statement as a commemoration for International Women's Day.