Strokes and stitches against gender violence in Finestrat

Finestrat organizes a creative painting and embroidery workshop to express messages of equality, freedom and rejection of violence against women

To mark November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Finestrat Equality Department has organized a creative workshop entitled “Strokes and Stitches Against Gender Violence,” which will use textile art as a tool for raising awareness, expression, and advocacy against male chauvinist violence. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, November 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Finestrat Youth Center.

The Councillor for Equality, Mª Teresa Pérez, emphasized that “with this activity we want to offer a different space to reflect, share and express, through art, our commitment to equality and our rejection of any form of violence against women. Each creation will be a small expression of freedom, but also a collective message that reminds us that no woman should feel alone and that the involvement of the whole of society is fundamental to moving towards a fairer, safer and more equal society.”

She also pointed out that “awareness and prevention are fundamental, and we must continue to promote activities that allow us to bring the message of November 25th closer to the public in a participatory, creative, and accessible way. Because equality is also built from small gestures and from spaces where we learn to listen to each other, support each other, and walk together.”

The initiative proposes transforming an everyday object, such as a small cloth bag or toiletry case, into a personal space for expression through painting and embroidery. In this way, participants can design and decorate their own creations, incorporating words, drawings, symbols, and messages related to freedom, equality, self-esteem, autonomy, respect, and sisterhood.

“Under the idea that ‘ Every stitch counts and every voice matters ‘, the activity aims to create a space for meeting, coexistence and participation in which creativity serves to reflect on the importance of building a society free of violence against women,” said the councilor in charge of the Equality area, Mª Teresa Pérez.

During the workshop, participants will receive a fabric toiletry bag and various materials such as fabric paints, brushes, markers, threads, needles, and other decorative items. No prior painting or embroidery experience is necessary, as guidance and support will be provided to help each participant freely develop their artistic vision. The activity will begin with an inspiration phase in which different words, phrases, and symbols linked to values ​​such as freedom, equality, autonomy, and mutual support will be presented. Afterward, each participant will create their own design and, once finished, will have the opportunity to voluntarily share the meaning behind their creation.

As a closing activity, it is proposed to gather all the works in a small collective exhibition that will highlight the messages and reflections that emerged during the workshop, under the motto: “Many hands, many stories, one same struggle: to live free from violence.” “This workshop seeks to remind us that the fight against violence against women requires awareness, commitment, and collective participation.”

The activity is aimed at women over 15 years of age and all those interested in equality and the prevention of violence against women. “As the motto of this workshop says: Every stitch counts. Every voice matters. No woman alone.” Because together we can weave support networks, paint new horizons, and build a future free from violence.

To participate in this workshop, you must register beforehand at agendafinestrat.es. Limited places available.

Workshop on micromachismos and coeducation in the classrooms

In addition to this workshop for November 25th, co-education sessions continue to be held in classrooms in Finestrat. From October to May. At CEIP Puig Campana, they begin on November 18th, and on December 1st at CEIP Balcó de Finestrat. “In the fight against all forms of violence against girls, adolescents, and women, we must all work together: families, the educational community, government agencies, the media… That’s why we are continuing with the co-education workshops in classrooms, which we have been conducting every year for the past 13 years in Finestrat’s schools.” These sessions cover basic aspects of relationships, values, and stereotypes; they analyze song lyrics and films; and explore healthy relationships based on respect and communication, among other topics, always adapted to the students’ age, using group activities and storytelling, among other resources. “They are held throughout the school year because equality is an issue that requires daily monitoring, ongoing training, awareness-raising, and the promotion of relationships based on respect and inclusion.”

In addition, a workshop on Sunday, December 13th, is scheduled at the Finestrat Youth Center to address the detection and eradication of microaggressions among children and young people. (PRESS OFFICE.11.11.2026)