With International Women’s Day events and protests planned around the world, Spanish women took the bold step on Thursday of staging a nationwide “Feminist Strike” under the rallying call, “If we stop, the world stops.” 

“We call for rebellion and a struggle against the alliance of the patriarchy and capitalism that wants us to be obedient, submissive and quiet.”—March 8 Commission

“It is not our aim to organize a “classic” workers strike but to go beyond this format: our plan is to paralyze all the different invisible tasks and activities that women usually do, in all different levels and places,” reads the manifesto of the March 8 Commission, which organized the action. 

Marches are being held in 200 cities and towns in Spain, with organizers urging women to stop all paid and unpaid work including domestic chores and to avoid spending money.

The historic walkout is meant to call attention to Spain’s persistent gender wage gap, domestic violence, and sex discrimination in the workplace—while also offering a stark view of the contributions of women.

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“Today we call for a society free of sexist oppression, exploitation and violence,” said the March 8 Commission. “We call for rebellion and a struggle against the alliance of the patriarchy and capitalism that wants us to be obedient, submissive and quiet. We do not accept worse working conditions, nor being paid less than men for the same work.”