FC Barcelona raises its voice on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Today, November 25th, we are commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness in society about the different forms of violence that women suffer worldwide, including physical, sexual, psychological, and environmental violence. FC Barcelona, together with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, is supporting the cause through two of its most important audiences and influencers: athletes and staff.

Barça, a Club, a Voice for Everyone's Fight

The video is titled "Barça, a club, a voice for everyone's fight" aims to raise awareness about the importance of ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality, all part of the club’s commitment to being 'More than a Club,' using its strength as a platform for change.

The protagonists are young male and female 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, standing by their female teammates: Alba Caño, Emma Galvez, Judit Pujols, and Noah Bezis from FC Barcelona Femení B; Ander Astralaga and Sergi Domínguez from Barça Atlètic football; Bintou Lo Sylla from Barça CBS Women’s Basketball; Pau Recasens from Barça Atlètic Futsal; Petar Cikusa from Barça Atlètic Handball; Joan Gangonells from Barça Atlètic Roller Hockey; Eva Sebastián from UNES BARÇA Wheelchair Basketball; and Clàudia Cádiz from Barça Women's Field Hockey.

The central message of the video is the unity and commitment of FC Barcelona in the fight against any form of violence, emphasizing that this is a cause that affects us all and that we must work together to eradicate it. The video was released yesterday on the video scoreboard at the Johan Cruyff Stadium before the games played by the Barça Women’s Football team and Barça Atlètic, and will continue at various club facilities during selected matches, thus reaching the entire Barça fan community.

Positive Masculinities, Equality, and Feminism

In addition to the video, the Auditori 1899 hosted a talk today on 'Positive Masculinities, Equality, and Feminism,' aimed at the club's staff and presented by Javier Royo, a renowned illustrator and designer, and UNESCO ambassador for gender equality programmes and positive masculinities.

This session, especially dedicated to men, served to reflect on and analyze the individual role in feminism, and learn more about a more positive masculinity. What should the male stance on feminism be? What do men know about violence against women? Are men also victims of gender-based violence? Are there female misogynists? These were just some of the questions raised and debated during the session.

At the end of the talk, Royo ran a practical activity with the attendees, inviting them to write down their thoughts on gender equality between men and women. Three images by the illustrator prompted reflections on what it is that connects men and women, what is visible at first sight, and what remains hidden, as well as our vision or position on work.

This talk is part of the FC Barcelona Equality Plan to promote equality within the club's corporate culture.

November 25

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

About Javier Royo

Renowned illustrator and designer Javier Royo (@javirroyo) is the founder of El Estafador, a weekly graphic comic, and author of the series La Cebolla asesina. His feminist works include Homo machus, Laborachismo, and Dibujo, 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 each person to derive meaning from the messages based on their own perspective and experience.