Día de la Mujer Trabajadora

9 March 2012

Today, at school, we had a special celebration for Día de la mujer trabajadora--Day of the Working Woman.

I asked one of the teachers about this holiday--since we don't really celebrate it in the US. Apparently, it's a international holiday that celebrates equality for women--in the workplace and gaining suffrage.

I was curious to hear how long its been celebrated here in Spain because women were greatly repressed during the dictatorship of Franco. Women were given the right to vote under the Second Republic in 1931. However, following the Spanish Civil War, they were expected to fulfill the stereotypical 1950s American housewife role of taking care of the kids and the home.

The teacher misunderstood what I was asking, and I never got a clear answer.

As a joke, one of the male teachers brought a pamphlet with tips on how to be a better wife--all inspired by 50s in America. So I have to blame my own country for this one. It had infuriating suggestions--like being sure that you make yourself pretty 5 minutes before your husband gets home, not bothering your husband with your complaints because they are insignificant in comparison to his, etc.

I know that the teacher brought it as a joke, and he doesn't believe any of it. However, at the same time, I don't know what place a pamphlet like that has on a day when we are supposed to celebrating women's equality--especially when there is so much left to be done.

In reading the paper today, there were people protesting celebrating such a day--not because they don't believe in women's equality, but because there is so much inequality. Women are still paid less than men. Women are currently more likely to be unemployed here in Spain. The government hasn't done enough to combat domestic violence against women.

At midday, many of the teachers gathered in the Teachers' Lounge for a special meal--which started with various tapas--including hams, tortillas, and bread. Then, we had paella from the school cafetería. Unlike schools in the US, our cafeteria makes really delicious food with fresh ingredients. For dessert, there was a sort of coffee flan bar.

After lunch, I was tired and ready for a siesta. Unfortunately, we still had classes to give in the afternoon!