On November 25, we raise our voices to remember all the women who are no longer with us, those whose lives were taken by sexist violence. We also raise our voices for those who still fight every day, trapped in a fear that silences them, isolates them, and deprives them of their right to live freely. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a Spain where gender violence has no place, where every woman can live without fear. A commitment that must be present in each of our policies.
Despite the progress made in recent years, the data remains shocking: more than 50 women have been murdered this year by their partners or ex-partners. More than 50 broken lives, more than 50 torn families. These figures are not numbers: they are stories, shattered dreams, absences that can never be repaired. Every woman who suffers violence is a reminder that we still have a long way to go.
Firm steps have been taken from the institutions. Investment in policies against sexist violence has increased historically, strengthening support networks and protection systems. But we cannot stop there. No institutional action will be enough if we as a society do not get involved, if we do not transform our own attitudes and if we do not fight together for a profound change.
Gender violence does not arise from nothing. It has its roots in a culture of inequality that perpetuates power roles, humiliates, and marginalizes. It does not start with a blow: it starts with contempt, with control, and with the denial of opportunities. Therefore, the fight against this violence cannot be limited to reacting to the tragedy; we must act before, from education, from respect, from the full recognition of equality. We must work so that our girls grow up knowing that they have no limits and that no one can take away their freedom.
Today, I want to address women. All of them. Those who resist, those who fight in silence, those who have not yet found the strength to take the step. I want to tell them that they are not alone. That there are many of us here, to support them, to listen to them, to walk by their side. Sorority, which is nothing more than support and unity among us, is our greatest strength, because together we are capable of transforming fear into hope and hope into action.
On 25N, we remember those who are missing, but we also celebrate the courage of all those who have broken their chains. Let us honor their struggle. May their example inspire us to continue advancing towards a society where no woman has to live in fear, where every step we take is a step towards freedom.
The Spain we believe in is feminist, free and without fear. It is not a distant ideal, it is a goal in which we advance day by day. If we continue working together, if we continue denouncing, educating, supporting. If we continue looking forward, united in this cause that belongs to all and for all. Because when a woman advances, we all advance.