With the highest data of young people who despise feminism And amid the offensive of far-right rhetoric against equality policies, the 8M demonstration kicked off this Sunday in Barcelona – promptly at 11:30 a.m. – for International Women's Day. This year, the feminist movement sought to confront the reactionary wave and warn of the rise of the far right and conservatism, which sends messages contrary to human rights that until now were thought to be inviolable. "I'm out for the same reasons as always, but now it's more necessary than ever: the world, what has happened and what may happen, is frightening," explains Teresa, one of the 24,000 demonstrators – according to estimates by the Barcelona City Police – who took to the streets of Barcelona.

The rain with which the day started and fear of contagion were not inviting prospects for a demonstration. In spite of this, thousands of women went out on the streets this Monday to demand their rights in several localities of Catalonia. They have been atypical protests, with limited capacity and trying to keep a safe distance. The feminist strike called to coincide with the commemoration of International Women's Day has also been atypical, not to say almost non-existent: very few people have taken part. In sectors with a high percentage of women workers, such as compulsory education or health, participation barely reached 1%. On the other hand, where it has been successful has been among secondary education students: 90% of students have gone on strike, according to sources from the Sindicat d'Estudiants dels Països Catalans.