Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Mar 09, 2025
Outside the box.
International Women’s Day: Global Marches Highlight Calls for Equality and Rights
Protests and celebrations across multiple continents advocate for gender equality, better healthcare access, and against gender-based violence as International Women’s Day is commemorated.
On March 8, 2025, cities worldwide saw a surge of activity as women and their supporters gathered to honor International Women’s Day with a series of protests, celebrations, and calls for action against gender inequality and violence.
Diverse groups rallied in Europe, Africa, North America, and beyond, highlighting the continuing struggle for women's rights.
In Turkey, a significant rally took place in Kadiköy, Istanbul, where members from various women’s organizations assembled under the watchful eye of security forces.
They expressed resistance to the government's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of the Family,' with demonstrators carrying messages that challenged traditional gender roles.
One placard proclaimed, "Family will not bind us to life," reflecting widespread concerns over policies perceived to restrict women's rights.
Activists voiced frustration regarding the government's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, a move characterized by critics as a regression in protecting women from domestic violence.
According to the platform, 'We Will Stop Femicides,' there were 394 reported cases of women being killed by men in Turkey in 2024.
In Poland, activists marked the day by inaugurating an abortion center directly across from the parliamentary buildings in Warsaw.
This facility aims to provide a safe environment for women seeking information and support regarding pregnancy termination, challenging one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws.
The initiative follows intense activism in the country, which has seen public demonstrations pressing for changes to the current legal framework.
Natalia Broniarczyk of the NGO Abortion Dream Team emphasized the significance of the location as a political statement against the government’s handling of women's reproductive rights.
Across other European capitals, similar protests unfolded in cities like Athens, Madrid, and Paris.
In Madrid, demonstrators referenced the case of Gisèle Pelicot, who became a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in Europe, bringing attention to the need for systemic change in how society addresses gender-based violence.
Additionally, activists in countries such as Germany called for enhanced efforts to secure equal rights and denounced retrogressive shifts in women’s rights.
The scenes in Lagos, Nigeria, were vibrant, as thousands gathered at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium dressed in purple, a color synonymous with the women’s liberation movement.
The celebrations were both a tribute to women’s strength and a rallying cry for ongoing struggles against gender inequality in the region.
In Russia, International Women’s Day was acknowledged with a government-sanctioned event where honor guard soldiers distributed yellow tulips to women in St Petersburg, reflecting a more formal approach to the occasion compared to grassroots protests seen elsewhere.
In the United States, cities such as Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles were hotspots for demonstrations organized by the Women’s March.
With a notable focus on the actions of the Trump administration, protesters conveyed grievances about policies that they argue disproportionately affect women.
Over 300 events were reported to be planned nationwide, drawing attention to issues ranging from reproductive rights to workplace equity.
In reference to the international rallies, local groups underscored the intersectionality of women's rights, linking various issues within the broader fight against systemic oppression.
As activists continue to seek recognition and legislative changes, March 8, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in asserting the demand for gender equality worldwide.
Diverse groups rallied in Europe, Africa, North America, and beyond, highlighting the continuing struggle for women's rights.
In Turkey, a significant rally took place in Kadiköy, Istanbul, where members from various women’s organizations assembled under the watchful eye of security forces.
They expressed resistance to the government's designation of 2025 as the 'Year of the Family,' with demonstrators carrying messages that challenged traditional gender roles.
One placard proclaimed, "Family will not bind us to life," reflecting widespread concerns over policies perceived to restrict women's rights.
Activists voiced frustration regarding the government's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, a move characterized by critics as a regression in protecting women from domestic violence.
According to the platform, 'We Will Stop Femicides,' there were 394 reported cases of women being killed by men in Turkey in 2024.
In Poland, activists marked the day by inaugurating an abortion center directly across from the parliamentary buildings in Warsaw.
This facility aims to provide a safe environment for women seeking information and support regarding pregnancy termination, challenging one of Europe’s most restrictive abortion laws.
The initiative follows intense activism in the country, which has seen public demonstrations pressing for changes to the current legal framework.
Natalia Broniarczyk of the NGO Abortion Dream Team emphasized the significance of the location as a political statement against the government’s handling of women's reproductive rights.
Across other European capitals, similar protests unfolded in cities like Athens, Madrid, and Paris.
In Madrid, demonstrators referenced the case of Gisèle Pelicot, who became a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in Europe, bringing attention to the need for systemic change in how society addresses gender-based violence.
Additionally, activists in countries such as Germany called for enhanced efforts to secure equal rights and denounced retrogressive shifts in women’s rights.
The scenes in Lagos, Nigeria, were vibrant, as thousands gathered at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium dressed in purple, a color synonymous with the women’s liberation movement.
The celebrations were both a tribute to women’s strength and a rallying cry for ongoing struggles against gender inequality in the region.
In Russia, International Women’s Day was acknowledged with a government-sanctioned event where honor guard soldiers distributed yellow tulips to women in St Petersburg, reflecting a more formal approach to the occasion compared to grassroots protests seen elsewhere.
In the United States, cities such as Washington D.C., New York City, and Los Angeles were hotspots for demonstrations organized by the Women’s March.
With a notable focus on the actions of the Trump administration, protesters conveyed grievances about policies that they argue disproportionately affect women.
Over 300 events were reported to be planned nationwide, drawing attention to issues ranging from reproductive rights to workplace equity.
In reference to the international rallies, local groups underscored the intersectionality of women's rights, linking various issues within the broader fight against systemic oppression.
As activists continue to seek recognition and legislative changes, March 8, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in asserting the demand for gender equality worldwide.
