The Concello de Vigo is set to host a series of training workshops titled 'Ocupar la palabra, habitar las redes' in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on 25 November. The workshops will occur on 23 and 24 November at the Afundación Conference Hall, located at rúa de Policarpo Sanz, 26.
Carmela Silva, the first deputy mayor and councillor for Historical Heritage, Culture and Equality, stated that the forum aims to “analyse and denounce the digital violence that women face on social media and various technological platforms.” This form of violence, often referred to as machista violence, keeps women—particularly young women, older women, those active in politics, and those with a public presence—on constant alert in digital spaces, while also promoting the exploitation of women's bodies.
The municipal government is advocating for a strong commitment from all administrations to regulate the digital environment and prevent social networks from perpetuating violence against women. The workshops will also explore the impact of organised hate and the so-called 'manosphere' on freedom of expression and democratic quality, aiming to develop collective action strategies.
Notable speakers include Cristina Hernández Martín, director of the Institute of Women; journalist Pilar Velasco; content creator Sindy Takanashi; and filmmakers Chelo Loureiro and Inés París Bouza, among others. The Concello encourages the local community to actively participate in these sessions.
Registration is required due to limited spaces, and interested individuals can sign up by sending a form to xornadas.igualdade@vigo.org.
25n programme
Monday, 23 November
- 16:30: Documentation delivery.
- 16:45: Institutional opening with Abel Caballero, mayor of Vigo.
- 17:00: Lecture and debate: 'Conversation on women's silencing strategies: a perspective from cinema' by Chelo Loureiro Vilarelle (audiovisual producer) and Inés París Bouza (film director and screenwriter).
- 18:15: Coffee break.
- 18:45: Lecture and debate: 'Who feeds the troll? The profitability of digital misogyny' by Aída dos Santos (sociologist and writer, winner of the 2026 National Essay Prize with 'Hijas del Hormigón').
- 19:45: Remote lecture: 'Digital violence from the United Nations framework' by Yamila González Ferrer (member of the CEDAW-UN Expert Committee and the Advisory Council of the American Association of Jurists).
Tuesday, 24 November
- 16:30: Lecture and debate: 'Feminist self-criticism in the era of the manosphere' by Sindy Takanashi (content creator at Agencia de Genyas).
- 17:30: Lecture and debate: 'Uncomfortable profiles: journalism as a megaphone' by Pilar Velasco Acedo (journalist specialising in investigation and data).
- 18:30: Coffee break.
- 19:00: Lecture and debate: 'Public policies and protection frameworks against digital machista violence' by Cristina Hernández Martín (director of the Institute of Women, Ministry of Equality).
- 20:15: Closing of the workshops and diploma delivery.
