Tenerife Cabildo Marks International Day with Strong Anti-Violence Manifesto

On November 25, the Cabildo of Tenerife hosted a pivotal event to observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This gathering underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment to combat gender-based violence and promote awareness throughout the community.

Notable Figures and Community Engagement

The event unfolded at Plaza del Cabildo, drawing a diverse audience that included key figures such as president Rosa Dávila, councillor for Social Action Águeda Fumero, and directors of Social Action and Equality, Yolanda Baumgartner and Patricia León. Their presence, along with various members of the island corporation and representatives from the Gender-Based Violence Unit, highlighted the collective effort to address this pressing issue.

Reflections on Victims and Collective Responsibility

In her address, Rosa Dávila delivered a heartfelt message, stating, “Today, 25 November, we remember all the women who have been victims of this social scourge, along with their daughters and sons.” She emphasized the shared responsibility of society to raise awareness, denounce those who perpetrate violence, and challenge the cultural norms that seek to silence victims or deny the reality of gender-based violence. Dávila also recognized the courage of individuals who strive for their freedom daily, underscoring the urgent need for prevention, education, and support systems to protect vulnerable populations.

Education as a Tool for Change

Councillor Águeda Fumero took the opportunity to stress the ongoing necessity of increasing awareness about gender-based violence. She pointed out that education plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes, particularly among the youth. Fumero advocated for teaching the values of respect and freedom in relationships, aiming to foster a culture where violence is not tolerated and mutual respect is paramount.

Manifesto Outlining Commitment to Action

The manifesto presented during the event articulated the Cabildo’s commitment to enhancing responses to all forms of violence. It aims to bolster awareness and prevention campaigns while reinforcing the Canary Islands’ Comprehensive Prevention and Intervention System against Gender-Based Violence in Tenerife. Furthermore, the Cabildo plans to improve the management of State Pact funds and will actively engage with the State Government and the Ministry of Equality to oversee and enhance the ‘Cometa’ systems, which are designed to address these critical issues.

Alarming Statistics Highlight the Urgency

The statistics surrounding gender-based violence in Spain paint a grim picture. Since 2003, a total of 1,333 women have been murdered, with 110 of these tragic cases occurring in the Canary Islands. Additionally, since 2013, 65 minors have lost their lives in incidents related to gender-based violence. In 2025 alone, there have already been reports of 38 women victimized, including two in the Canary Islands, alongside three minors. The region has witnessed a staggering rise in reported cases, with a 44.6% increase in the second quarter of 2025, totaling 4,001 cases. This alarming statistic translates to a victimization rate of 33.7 per 10,000 women, the highest in the country. By the end of August, the VioGén system documented 6,734 active cases in the Canary Islands, including 63 classified as high or extreme risk and 69 minors at risk.

Artistic Expression as a Form of Protest

The event culminated in a powerful performative piece titled ‘The Algorithm of Fear,’ which aimed to illuminate the issue of digital violence that women face in online spaces. This artistic expression served not only as a form of protest but also as a means to engage the audience in a dialogue about the pervasive nature of violence in both physical and digital realms.

Key points

• The Cabildo of Tenerife commemorated 25 November with a manifesto against gender-based violence.
• President Rosa Dávila emphasized the need to remember victims and denounce perpetrators.
• Councillor Águeda Fumero called for increased awareness and education on respectful relationships.
• The manifesto outlined a commitment to combat all forms of violence and enhance prevention efforts.
• Statistics indicate a significant rise in reported cases of gender-based violence in the Canary Islands.
• The event included a performance addressing digital violence against women.