On the occasion of the International Day Against Gender Violence, the Manzanares City Council has presented an extensive program of activities that will take place from November 21 to 25. Under the motto ‘I also say no to gender violence’, the programming includes educational, cultural and sporting events that seek to raise awareness among all citizens.
The Councilor for Equality Policies, Laura Carrillo, emphasizes that this initiative is not an isolated act, but part of a broader strategy. «Two years ago we developed a municipal strategic plan against gender violence. This program reflects the collective commitment of the City Council and all its areas,” explains Carrillo, who thanked the involvement of local associations, businesses and sports clubs.
Among the featured events, on Thursday the 21st there will be a round table on the prevention of violence against women from childhood and youth, with experts in education and social work. “We want people to be aware of this problem and how to combat it from an early age,” says the councilor. The meeting will be at the La Bota de Oro pub, a space that Carrillo describes as “ideal for a meeting that combines reflection and dialogue.” The monologue Not only do blows hurt, by Pamela Palenciano, will be another of the strong points. The performance, scheduled for Friday the 22nd at the House of Culture, already generated a great impact in 2018 among the young audience. “It is a work that stirs consciences and provides a very real vision of what sexist violence entails,” says Carrillo, who encourages neighbors to collect their invitations.
In the sports field, on Saturday the 23rd, a women’s self-defense day was held led by Paqui Moreno, renowned judo and jiu-jitsu instructor. “It is important that women know basic techniques to defend themselves in situations of aggression,” says the councilor, who highlighted the instructor’s career. Also this weekend, a thematic gymkhana was scheduled, organized together with the Youth House. According to Carrillo, this activity combines learning and fun, “with the aim of raising awareness among adolescents about sexist violence.” The programming will culminate today, November 25, with an institutional event in the Plaza de la Constitución, where a manifesto prepared by the local AMPA will be read and tribute will be paid to this year’s victims. “We will light candles in his memory and launch flying lanterns as a symbol of hope,” Carrillo details.
The councilor highlights that this initiative seeks to involve all citizens. “We want the streets of Manzanares to be filled with purple ribbons, with gestures that show that our municipality says no to sexist violence,” he concludes.
