On March 8, 2025, near 250,000 people across France gathered to advocate for women's rights as part of the International Women’s Day celebrations. The demonstrations, organized by the Grve féministe collective, took place across approximately 150 rallies including 120,000 participants marching through the streets of Paris alone.
Among those voices, Caroline Cheve, the secretary general of the FSU union, stressed the need for real action: “Il faut des actes et le courage de prendre de vraies dcisions” (We need actions and the courage to make real decisions). This sentiment echoed throughout the day as many protesters highlighted the persistent issue of wage disparities and violence against women.
According to statistics from the INSEE, men earned 22% more than women on average within the private sector as recently as 2023, highlighting the systemic inequalities still present. Even when comparing equivalent positions, women still earn 4% less than their male counterparts—a gap many find unacceptable, as noted by Marylise Léon, leader of the CFDT labor union, who lamented the slow progress on gender equality.
Participants carried vibrant banners with slogans like “Nos droits ne sont pas des dbats” (Our rights are not up for debate) and “Female is future,” each contributing to the collective message of the day. The demonstrations were particularly poignant addressing various issues, including femicides, the rise of masculinist rhetoric following global political changes, especially after the election of figures like Donald Trump.
Gisele Pelicot, whose name was prominently featured on many signs, was remembered for her contributions to the fight for women’s rights. Isabelle, 64, remarked, “C'est merveilleux ce qu'elle a fait, pour montrer qu'on est là, qu'on va se battre pour nos droits” (It’s wonderful what she has done, to show we are here, we are going to fight for our rights). This reflection underscored the long path still needed to achieve gender equality.
Near the main participant’s section, groups such as the identity collective Nemesis attempted to disrupt the rally, denounced by feminist and anti-racist organizations for their provocative presence. This prompted counter-demonstrations by Femen activists, who staged their own brief action. Adorned with American, European, and Russian flags crossed out with Nazi symbols, they chanted provocative phrases such as “Heil Trump,” attempting to draw attention to what they called “an epidemic of fascism.”
The rally was met with significant police presence, ensuring the safety of participants and maintaining order amid the tension created by the conflicting groups. The events were seen as necessary, not only to raise awareness of women's rights issues but also to push for immediate actions from the government to address these inequalities.
Overall, the turnout demonstrated both solidarity among women and the urgency of the issues at hand—issues ranging from unequal pay to overt forms of patriarchal violence. The collective’s commitment to fighting for wage equality and against gender-based violence encapsulated the day’s themes, showcasing the determination of many to demand systemic changes.
With thousands participating and more rallies planned, March 8, 2025, not only marked International Women’s Day but also served as a powerful reminder of the work still needed to achieve true equality. The movements build on the historical struggles of women fighting for their rights. The passion and unity witnessed on the streets of France reflect both frustration and hope for the future.