International Women's Day: Women Protest Gender Inequality Across the World
Women around the world march on International Women's Day to demand an end to gender-based violence and inequality.
On International Women's Day, women across Europe, Africa, South America, and beyond took to the streets to protest against gender inequality and violence. In Istanbul, Turkey, a rally in Kadikoy saw women's groups gather to listen to speeches and dance in the spring sunshine. The protest, overseen by a large police presence, challenged President Erdogan's declaration of 2025 as the 'year of the family'.
In Europe, women protested for better access to healthcare, equal pay, and an end to discrimination. In Poland, activists opened a center for abortions, challenging the country's restrictive laws. The celebrations were more official in Russia, with soldiers presenting tulips to women in St. Petersburg.
German President Steinmeier warned against rolling back progress made towards gender equality, as populist parties threaten to undermine efforts for equality. In South America, marches were organized to denounce femicides and demand justice for women killed in recent years.