Women worldwide march to demand end to violence, inequality

Global Protests Demand Justice for Women Amid Rising Femicide Cases

Over the past few days, waves of protests have swept across major cities worldwide, from Buenos Aires to Lagos, as millions of people gathered to mark International Women’s Day. The demonstrations were not just celebrations of women’s achievements but also urgent calls to action against the escalating violence and discrimination faced by women. In many countries, the demand for justice for victims of femicide and gender-based violence took center stage, with protesters urging governments to enact reforms to protect women’s rights.

In Argentina, the protests were particularly charged, as demonstrators in Buenos Aires rallied against President Javier Milei’s austerity measures, which they argue will gut critical services for women. The government has already shuttered the Ministry of Women, Genders, and Diversity and plans to remove the term “femicide” from the penal code. Critics warn that this move undermines efforts to address the alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence in the country, where one woman is killed every 30 hours. Protesters emphasized that their fight is far from over, vowing to continue their struggle on the streets.

In neighboring countries like Ecuador and Bolivia, women also took to the streets to demand justice for victims of femicide. In Quito, Ecuador, hundreds of women marched with signs denouncing violence and the patriarchal system, while in Bolivia, thousands of women graffiti-tagged court walls to protest impunity in femicide cases. Less than half of these cases reach sentencing, leaving families of victims without closure or justice. The protests were a reminder of the systemic failures that perpetuate violence against women in these regions.

European Protests Highlight Struggles for Equality and Healthcare

In Europe, International Women’s Day served as a platform to address a wide range of issues, from gender-based violence to unequal pay and limited access to healthcare. In Poland, activists opened a center in Warsaw where women can access medical abortions, a bold move to challenge the country’s restrictive abortion laws. The center’s location—directly across from the parliament building—was a symbolic act of defiance against the government’s stance on women’s reproductive rights.

In Spain, protesters in Madrid highlighted the case of Gisele Pelicot, a French woman who was drugged and raped by dozens of men over a decade. Her story has become a rallying cry across Europe for the fight against sexual violence. Demonstrators carried hand-drawn images of Pelicot, using her case to shed light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.

African and Asian Demonstrations Celebrate Resilience and Demand Change

On the African continent, thousands of women gathered in Lagos, Nigeria, to celebrate their womanhood and advocate for change. Dressed in purple, the traditional color of the women’s liberation movement, they danced, sang, and called for an end to gender-based violence. The event was a vibrant display of resilience and solidarity, with women affirming their right to live free from fear and discrimination.

In Ukraine, the day took on a somber tone as a ceremony was held in Kharkiv to honor female soldiers who have died fighting against Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, in Russia, International Women’s Day was marked with more official celebrations, including honor guard soldiers presenting tulips to women and girls. Yet, the contrast between the symbolic gestures and the ongoing struggles faced by women in both countries underscored the need for systemic change.

A Global Movement for Women’s Rights

From Latin America to Europe, Africa, and Asia, the protests highlighted the universal struggle for women’s rights and the need for concrete actions to address gender-based violence, inequality, and systemic discrimination. While some countries marked the day with symbolic gestures, others used it as an opportunity to challenge oppressive policies and demand accountability.

The global outpouring of solidarity and determination serves as a reminder that the fight for women’s rights is far from over. As long as femicide remains unchecked, as long as womenlack access to healthcare and equal opportunities, and as long as impunity prevails, the protests will continue. International Women’s Day was not just a celebration of progress but a call to action—a reminder that justice and equality for women demand Persistent collective effort.