Women around the world took to the streets on Friday to celebrate International Women’s Day, participating in strikes, marches, and demonstrations to advocate for gender equality and combat discrimination. The event, dating back to 1911, has its origins in the fight for equal pay and suffrage for women.
In Italy, a nationwide general strike for women’s rights was organized by various trade unions, causing minor disruptions in sectors such as schools and healthcare. In major cities like Rome and Milan, marches were held to demand equal treatment of male and female workers and stronger policies against gender-based violence. In Paris, supporters celebrated the formal inclusion of a woman’s right to abortion in the French constitution, despite restrictions on abortion access in other countries.
In Lebanon, the link between the struggle for equal rights and the conflict in Gaza was highlighted, drawing attention to the impact of violence on women. In Brazil, protesters raised awareness about the increasing number of femicides, where women are killed because of their gender.
The day’s events underscored the progress made towards gender equality while acknowledging the ongoing challenges. A banner in Pamplona, Spain, succinctly captured this sentiment with the words, “So much has been achieved. There is so much to achieve.” International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the continued fight for gender equality and the need for greater recognition and protection of women’s rights worldwide.
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