Bust of Clara Campoamor Vandalized in Madrid Ahead of International Women’s Day

The bust of Clara Campoamor, a prominent Spanish lawyer and women’s suffrage advocate, was vandalized with paint in Madrid on Wednesday, March 7, 2026, the eve of International Women’s Day (8M). The incident has drawn condemnation from political figures, who view it as an attack on both cultural heritage and the memory of a key figure in the fight for women’s rights.

Details of the Vandalism

The sculpture, located in the Plaza de la Guardia de Corps, near the Conde Duque Cultural Center, was found with black paint markings, according to reports. El Mundo and Infobae both reported on the incident.

Condemnation from Reyes Maroto

Reyes Maroto, the socialist spokesperson for the Madrid City Council, strongly denounced the act, stating it was “not just an attack on heritage: it is an attack on the memory of those who fought for women’s rights and for our democracy.” As reported on X, Maroto emphasized that the timing, just before 8M, serves as a “reminder that nothing achieved is guaranteed.” She urged people to fill the streets of Madrid and Spain with purple on International Women’s Day to demonstrate continued support for feminism and the freedoms it has secured.

Clara Campoamor’s Legacy

Clara Campoamor was a pivotal figure in securing women’s right to vote in Spain during the Second Republic. The bust was commissioned by the Madrid City Council and created by sculptor Lucas Alcalde Lomas, being inaugurated in 2006 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Spain. Infobae details her significant role in Spanish political history.

Call for Continued Vigilance

Maroto concluded by calling for “more equality, more memory and more feminism” in the face of hatred and intolerance. The incident underscores the ongoing need to protect the gains made by the feminist movement and to remain vigilant against attacks on women’s rights and democratic values.