Origins of Feminism in Spain: what is it?

The term was first introduced during the XIX century. It is a way of living and thinking. The Feminism fights for the rights and opportunities of women and tries to make them be equal to men's rights.That's the goal, but being a feminist has to come alongside with the awareness of women about the suffered oppresion and abuse because of a patriarchal society and some men; and also the awareness of men that they have some priveleges women don't and that they live in a patriarchal society, so they have to support our fight, but never, EVER, lead it.

In Spain, despite there were different demands in the social field related to the inequalities between men and women (Concepción Arenal and Emilia Pardo Bazán wrote about this issue), this movement started with the will of women to vote and to decide it they want to establish the Second Republic (1931); so they fought to reach that right even if it was really difficult to achieve it. Women were very influenced by the Church and some people were afraid because if they could vote, they will probably do it against the Second Republic. But, one woman, Clara Campoamor, stood up for this right and talked in the Parliament about that need, because, althought she wanted the Second Republic to be established, she thought that women should decide from then on in the political future of the country. That led her to a disscusion in the Parliament with Victoria Kent.

Victoria Kent also believed that women should have the right to vote, but, as she wanted the Republic she was afraid that women could vote against it because of the huge influence the conservative forces had upon them.

Finally, the right to vote was achieved, the Second Republic emerged (1931 - 1936), and other rights like divorce or civil marriage were given too.