Movimiento Democrático de Mujeres
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The Movimiento Democrático de Mujeres (MDM; English: Women's Democratic Movement) was an underground feminist organization that was active during the late stages of the Spanish Franco regime in the mid-1970s. The Communist Party of Spain understood the need for a united women's front fighting for the same ideas, so the women of the Communist Party of Spain founded the Movimiento Democrático de Mujeres in 1965. It was led by women such as Dulcinea Bellido, Maruja Cazcarra, Paquita Martín de Isidro, Carmen Rodríguez, and other independent feminists with the aim of building alliances with non-party female activists. The Movimiento Democrático de Mujeres is particularly notable for its contribution to the democratization of Spanish society after the authoritarian Franco period concluded. This article will explore the events in Spanish history preceding the formation of the MDM, the context in which the MDM gained traction and popularity, the specific organizing efforts of MDM activists, and the factors that influenced the MDM's waning influence.