Today, November 25, we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The aim of this day is to raise awareness in society of the different forms of violence suffered by women around the world, including physical, sexual, psychological and environmental violence. FC Barcelona, ​​with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department, supports the cause through two of its most important audiences and influencers: athletes and staff.

Barça, a club, a voice for the fight of all

The video, entitled “Barça, a club, a voice for the fight of all”, aims to raise awareness of the importance of ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality, as part of the commitment of the club to be “more than a club”, using its strength as a platform for change.

The protagonists are young players from all sections of the club, where the women explain how important it is to remain silent in the face of gender-based violence, while the men express their support, alongside their teammates: Alba Caño, Emma Galvez, Judit PujolsAnd Noah Bezis FC Barcelona Femení B; Ander Astralaga and Sergi Dominguez Barça Atlètic football; Bintou Lo Sylla Barça CBS women’s basketball; Pau Récasens Barça Atlètic Futsal; Petar Cikusa Barça Atlètic Handball; Joan Gangonells Barça Atlètic Roller Hockey; Eva Sebastian of UNES BARÇA Wheelchair Basketball; And Claudia Cádiz of Barça women’s field hockey.

The central message of the video is the unity and commitment of FC Barcelona in the fight against all forms of violence, emphasizing that this is a cause that concerns us all and that we must work together for eradicate. The video was broadcast yesterday on the video scoreboard of the Johan Cruyff stadium before the matches played by the Barça women’s football team and Barça Atlètic, and it will continue in various club facilities during selected matches, reaching as well as the entire community of Barça supporters.

Positive masculinities, equality and feminism

In addition to the video, Auditori 1899 today organized a conference on “Positive masculinities, equality and feminism”, aimed at club staff and presented by Javier Royorenowned illustrator and designer, and UNESCO ambassador for gender equality and positive masculinities programs.

This session, specially dedicated to men, allowed us to reflect and analyze the individual role in feminism, and to learn more about a more positive masculinity. What should men’s stance be on feminism? What do men know about violence against women? Are men also victims of gender-based violence? Are there misogynistic women? These are just some of the issues raised and discussed during the session.

At the end of the conference, Royo organized a hands-on activity with the participants, inviting them to write down their thoughts on gender equality between men and women. Three images by the illustrator sparked reflection on what connects men and women, what is visible at first glance and what remains hidden, as well as our vision or position on work.

This conference is part of FC Barcelona’s Equality Plan aimed at promoting equality within the club’s corporate culture.

November 25

November 25 was declared the International Day Against Gender-Based Violence during the first Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Meeting, held in Bogota (Colombia) in 1981. In 1999, the United Nations officially recognized this date, chosen in memory of the Mirabal Sisters, political activists assassinated in 1960 in the Dominican Republic.

About Javier Royo

The famous illustrator and designer Javier Royo (@javirroyo) is the founder of The Estafadora weekly graphic comic and author of the series Cebolla asesine. Her feminist works include Homo machus, LaborachismAnd Drawing, luego pienso.

Royo’s works combine text and image in a way that encourages reflection. The visual language he uses is open to various interpretations, allowing everyone to make sense of the messages based on their own perspective and experience.