On March 8, 2025, International Women’s Day, thousands of feminists are expected to march across Mexico and Spain, reflecting the enduring fight for women's rights and social justice. This year, the marches are organized under the banner of 8M, and involve various local collectives, government support, and community-driven initiatives aimed at raising awareness about gender violence and promoting equality.
These demonstrations will kick off at different times across major cities. For example, the march in Mexico City is set to begin at 11:30 AM, with participants starting from historic locations like the Diana Cazadora, the Ángel de la Independencia, and the Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan, all converging toward the Zócalo, the capital's central square. Expected to be one of the largest demonstrations, this event aims to draw attention to pressing issues such as femicide and labor rights.
Simultaneously, in Durango, participants will gather at Avenida 20 de Noviembre at 5:00 PM, organized in three distinct groups, leading toward the Poder Judicial del Estado, where they will voice their demands for justice and safety.
The Government of Mexico has taken proactive measures to facilitate these protests. The Secretary of the Interior, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, stated, "The key is dialogue, dialogue, and more dialogue", emphasizing the administration's commitment to ensuring peaceful protests through the Protocol for Attention and Management of Peaceful Protest. This is particularly focused on preventing violence during the marches, thereby safeguarding both participants and journalists covering these events.
This year's demonstrations come at a time when gender violence remains alarmingly prevalent. Local collectives from Pachuca, Aguascalientes, and Mérida are gearing up to participate as well, each with their own schedules. For example, the march in Mérida will start at 5:00 PM from Parque de La Mejorada and will be joined by various groups, including families affected by violence and mothers with children. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing, stay hydrated, and maintain communication with trusted individuals.
Not only are the mobilizations significant for Mexico, but similar events are also happening across Spain, where feminists are uniting to highlight their struggles. Major cities like Madrid and Barcelona are gearing up to host thousands of participants, with Madrid anticipating at least 30,000 attendees based on previous year's demonstrations. The Madrid march will start at noon from Atocha station to Plaza de España, followed by another march organized by the Movimiento Feminista de Madrid from Cibeles at 6:00 PM.
Similar mobilizations are planned throughout Spain, with cities preparing to witness unprecedented levels of participation. The demonstrated solidarity during 8M emphasizes the collective voice seeking justice and legal reforms to safeguard women's rights.
The significance of these demonstrations is rooted deep within historical movements for women's rights, dating back to the push for suffrage and labor rights. Originally recognized by the United Nations, International Women’s Day stands not merely as a day for celebration but as one for cathartic protest against systemic injustices faced by women across the globe.
Across both nations, street closings are anticipated to accommodate the large crowds, affecting public transport services, including metro and bus lines. Citizens are encouraged to plan alternative routes if they need to travel on the day of the marches.
With every year, the 8M movement continues to grow, serving as a powerful reminder of the long-standing fight for gender equality and justice. The voices of protestors, filled with cries of “¡Ni una menos!” and “¡Vivas nos queremos!”, echo through the streets, demanding changes from local to national levels.
Through these collective actions, the participants honor those lost to violence and advocate for policies addressing the root causes of gender inequality, ensuring future generations inherit a society rooted in respect, dignity, and equality for all.