Tens of thousands of people took to the streets around the world this Sunday, as International Women’s Day sparked passionate calls for gender equality and peace. From Paris to Madrid, Istanbul to Rio de Janeiro, demonstrators marched to demand women’s rights, denounce gender-based violence, and call for an end to conflict in the Middle East.
In Paris, Gisele Pelicot, a 73-year-old rape survivor who became a symbol of courage after publicly confronting her attackers during a high-profile 2024 trial, led one of 150 women’s rights marches across France. “We won’t give up,” Pelicot told the crowd, highlighting the urgent fight for economic equality, protection against sexual violence, and recognition of women’s rights worldwide.
Spain saw thousands protesting across cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Bilbao, and San Sebastian. Placards carried slogans such as “No to war” and “Anti-fascist feminists against imperialist war,” while rallies addressed both gender-based violence and the ongoing US-Israeli conflict in the Middle East. Madrid hosted dual demonstrations—one advocating for transgender rights and another pushing for the legalization and regulation of prostitution.
Alexa Rubio, a 30-year-old Mexican living in Spain, told AFP, “Pay and harassment are urgent issues here, and in my country, women are still being killed simply for being women.” Spain’s political leaders joined in solidarity: Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz urged for peace and support for Iranian women, while Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has maintained opposition to the war, resisting calls from the US to use Spanish military bases for attacks.
In Istanbul, thousands of women defied a ban on demonstrations, flooding the streets of Cihangir with music, dancing, colorful banners, and even fairy-lit parasols. Organizers concluded the march with a heartfelt statement in solidarity with women affected by the Middle East conflict. Demonstrations also took place on the Asian side of Istanbul and in nine other Turkish cities.
Meanwhile, Latin American countries including Brazil, Chile, and Mexico saw women marching in vibrant displays of solidarity. “When one woman advances, we all advance,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in a speech. French President Emmanuel Macron also acknowledged the bravery of Iranian women, posting on X that “their courage commands respect and reminds the world that freedom can never be silenced.”
From city streets to global headlines, this International Women’s Day reminded the world that the fight for gender equality and peace is far from over—and that women’s voices will continue to rise, louder than ever.
