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A large banner commemorating International Women’s Day has been stolen from the headquarters of the Seville Provincial Council after three hooded men removed it during the early hours of Sunday March 8.

 

The provincial institution confirmed the incident on Monday, explaining that the banner had been displayed on the façade of the building as part of its campaign marking International Women’s Day. Security cameras captured the moment when the three individuals approached the building and took the banner.

 

The Provincial Council has since filed a formal report with the Policía Nacional and publicly condemned the incident, describing it as an act of vandalism.

 

In a statement, the institution linked the theft to what it described as “a worrying climate of denialism and hate speech against feminism which, encouraged in recent years by certain sectors of the far right, seeks to question the progress made in equality and delegitimise the fight for women’s rights”.

 

The banner is installed every year to coincide with March 8, making this the first time such an incident has been recorded.

 

The theft occurred as Seville marked International Women’s Day with a series of events and demonstrations across the city. On Sunday March 8, two separate marches moved through the city centre, bringing together more than 7,500 people who called for genuine equality and action against gender violence. Organisers also highlighted international issues during the demonstrations, including the situation of women in Iran.

 

 

International Women’s Day is widely observed across Spain with marches, campaigns and public events aimed at highlighting gender equality and women’s rights.

 

The Seville Provincial Council said the stolen banner formed part of a wider programme of awareness and advocacy activities organised throughout the province for the occasion.

 

Despite the incident, officials insisted their commitment to equality policies remains unchanged. The institution said it will continue supporting public initiatives that “promote equality between men and women and work to eradicate sexist violence and structural inequalities.”

 

This year’s commemorations in Spain have taken place against a mixed backdrop, with progress in some areas of equality but continuing debate about the challenges that remain.

 

For local authorities, the theft of the banner has therefore taken on a symbolic dimension. While the banner itself has not yet been recovered, the Provincial Council says the act will not deter its efforts to promote equality and awareness across the province.

 

 

 

 

Image: digital representation