In the heart of Elche, on Plaza de Baix, dozens of women gathered in the morning with books and folding chairs. Their goal was to express their dissatisfaction with the city authorities’ decision to shut down the women’s reading club. This initiative, created under the previous city administration, was part of the municipal program Casa de la Dona, where women could discuss literature and feel safe.
A change in local government led to a review of many social projects. The new administration, including members of the Partido Popular (PP) and Vox, announced the closure of the club, citing the need to reallocate resources and organizational reasons. According to officials, the staff responsible for equality must now focus on educational activities in schools, especially on online safety and violence prevention.
The club members, however, disagree with this approach. They emphasize that the meetings did not require extra costs from the budget, and organizers received funding from other sources. The women point out that the club was more than just a place to read—it was an important space for support and sharing experiences. According to them, the decision to close the club was made without sufficient explanation or consultation with members.
Alternatives and public reaction
The municipality suggested that the women create their own association or move their meetings to city libraries. However, the protesters argue that these options do not address the main issue—the lack of a safe, specialized space where they can discuss important women’s issues with the support of equality experts.
In response to the authorities’ actions, the women decided to keep holding their meetings outdoors, right in the main square, every second Tuesday of the month. They believe that these public readings will draw attention to their cause and help bring the club back. The protests have already attracted more participants than the club had in its entire existence, which has taken city officials by surprise.
Political context and next steps
Opposition parties on the city council believe that the closure of the club is part of a broader policy aimed at cutting back on women’s support initiatives and promoting equality. They point out that references to equality have also been removed from the title of the city’s literary competition, raising concerns among activists and former officials.
The authorities, in turn, insist that the changes are purely organizational and not ideological. They emphasize that work on equality continues, just in a different format. Nevertheless, the protesters are not backing down and have already expressed their willingness to engage in dialogue with the administration to find a compromise and restore the reading club to its original format.
The situation in Elche has become a vivid example of how changes in local politics can affect citizens’ daily lives and spark public discontent. The women of the city are not giving up and are determined to fight for their right to a safe space for communication and self-development.
