Participation, Representation and Voice in the Fight against Gender Violence: The Case of the Women's Movement in Spain

Abstract

This article provides a critical examination of 'whiteness' and notions of 'sisterhood solidarity' in the context of women's fight against gender violence in Spain. Drawing on intersectionality theory this article focuses on how different women's organisations deal with gender violence policy in Spain, how this debate is framed, who makes the claims, and what structural inequalities are being preserved in this process. Using qualitative interviews with women activists, observations and participation in meetings and debates of women's organisations in Madrid and Barcelona during 2007-2008, this research explores the inter-relations between majority and minority women's mobilization, organization, political influence and voice. Their perspectives highlight how multiple inequalities experienced by ethnic and migrant women constrain their participation in the mainstream feminist movement.