- Pepica Llobell, Carmen Buigues, Maria Llobell, Gema Fontes, Monica Garcia, Maria Comes and Marina Gilabert (1933-1943) tell their life stories in a documentary and a photographic exhibition.
Last Saturday March 8th, International Women’s Day, was a very emotional day at El Poble Nou de Benitatxell with the presentation of the documentary ‘ Living Memory. Homage to the working women of the past’ and the exhibition of the photographer Jessica Hooghiemstra “The women of Benitatxell”. Two works of art that portray with great sensitivity and care the life stories of seven women born between 1933 and 1943 who were pioneers at a time when roles were clearly defined and home and caring seemed to be their only destiny.
Dozens of people gathered at the Social Centre to pay homage to their strength, courage and sacrifice. Pepica Llobell, Carmen Buigues, Maria Llobell, Gema Fontes, Monica Garcia, Maria Comes and Marina Gilabert defied the rules and sought new opportunities. Some of them, without being aware of it.
They made a huge effort to combine their professional life with their family life. Some left home and emigrated to France to work in the grape harvest or in domestic service, either to support the family economy in difficult times or to pursue the dream of leaving their hometown. Others found their place in small family businesses or opened their own businesses. And some went further and, in addition to their professions, became pioneers of political activism, defending feminism in all its expressions. All of them left an unforgettable trace.
The Councillor of Equality, Isa Garrido, who was in charge of directing the event and coordinating the project, dedicated a few words of affection to them. ‘I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to the women protagonists who are with us today and, of course, to those who were unable to be here. Your presence here is a testimony of courage, sacrifice and perseverance. Thank you for opening the doors of your homes to me, for allowing us to enter with cameras and equipment, and for sharing your most intimate memories, even during moments when emotion brought us to tears’.
She also expressed her gratitude for the collaboration of the families and the project developers. ‘I would like to thank their families for their patience, for facilitating the logistics and for giving us their support. And, of course, to the people who have worked behind the cameras: the photographer Jessica Hooghiemstra and Núria and Raúl from El Mirall de la Marina, making it possible for these stories to remain forever in our collective memory’. Garrido also announced that the intention is to continue the project with more audiovisuals. ‘We will be moving down the age range until we reach the present day’.
For his part, the mayor, Miguel Ángel García, highlighted the essential role that women have played in sustaining society. ‘Today we pay tribute to the role not only of these seven women, but also of many others who have been the basis, sustenance and pillar of our society. Without their silent and humble work, first at home with their care, and later adding their work outside the home, the generations of today would not have reached where we are’.
The three collaborating associations, Women’s Association, Clásicas y Modernas and the European Union of Women Marina Alta, also took part in the event with the reading of a manifesto in support of equality and women’s rights.
Last Sunday El Poble Nou de Benitatxell closed a very complete programme of events designed for all audiences. It included the screening of short films and discussion with Marina Gilabert (Clásicas y Modernas); afternoon snack, games and assembly of the Women’s Association; the female friendly football match between El Poble Nou de Benitatxell and Benissa with the visit of the Valencia CF footballer Gemma Pastor; the dance session with Pam Small and the presentation of Pilar Brotons’ book “No son heroínas”, organised by EUWMA; the storyteller “Rosa Caramel”; the sisterhood lunch and dance of the Women’s Association and the concert “En clave de jazz” of female voices of the Atelier Vocal of the Cor de La Rectoria.
In addition, this week the two activities that were postponed due to the weather alert will be reprogrammed: on Tuesday March 11th there will be a walk, snack and archaeological explanation at Abiar’s washing place with the Women’s Association, and on Wednesday 12th, the cineforum of the film ‘La abuela y el forastero’ with its director, Sergi Miralles, and Arminda García.
