Elche Women Demand Continuation Of Reading Club Amid Cultural Space Cutbacks

The women of Elche’s Casa de la Dona Reading Club are calling for nan reinstatement of a abstraction they picture arsenic captious for culture, discussion, and solidarity.

The club, launched successful October 2023 nether nan City Council’s Women’s Department, has been a monthly gathering for women to research books by female authors, stock ideas, and support 1 another. 

Members said that, according to Esto Es Elche, contempt nan sessions lasting only astir ninety minutes each month, nan meetings person played a acold greater domiciled than a elemental reference group. “We’ve explored lit from different generations and countries, discussed exhibitions, and reflected connected social, cultural, and affectional issues affecting women,” explained a spokesperson for nan club. “This abstraction has been basal for growth, learning, and community.” 

However, upon returning from summertime break connected September 10, nan group were told verbally that nan nine would beryllium discontinued. After requesting explanation from Councilor Caridad Martínez, nan members were informed nan determination was owed to nan absence of a dedicated group leader and nan supposedly debased number of participants. The women opportunity this rationale fails to recognise nan existent worth of nan initiative. “How galore women must stitchery to warrant a abstraction for reflection?” 1 subordinate asked. “Culture should not beryllium measured by quotas aliases profitability, but by its effect connected nan community.” 

The removal of nan club, they argue, undermines section equality policies, national participation, and taste promotion – pillars that nan Casa de la Dona has supported since its founding. They person formally requested nan reinstatement of nan nine done nan OMAC connected October 8, 2025, asking for nan continuation of sessions pinch nan support of equality promoters and organization backing. 

The group emphasises that nan reference nine is much than an activity; it is simply a surviving web of women committed to learning, discussion, and communal support. “Reading together is besides resistance,” they insist, calling connected nan metropolis assembly to reconstruct nan abstraction and sphere it arsenic a communal bully for each women successful Elche.