On Saturday, March 8, 2025, also known as 8M, thousands of women gathered across the globe to commemorate International Women's Day. This year's event held special significance in Mexico City, where for the fourth consecutive year, women marched to voice their demand for gender equality and protection against violence.
The march commenced at noon from the Ángel de la Independencia, gradually making its way to the Zócalo, the heart of the capital. According to the Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City, over 200,000 women participated, with the event concluding around 8:30 PM without any reported incidents.
Throughout the day, women utilized the opportunity to raise awareness about various issues, including the high rates of femicide and the need for comprehensive protection against gender-based violence. At 6:24 PM, the Marabunta Brigade provided assistance to demonstrators suffering from cough attacks, indicating the use of tear gas by law enforcement earlier (reportedly confirmed by Human Rights personnel).
The march featured vibrant displays of solidarity, artistic expression, and calls for justice. At 3:08 PM, local artists began performing at the Zócalo, with participants singing and demanding justice for missing and murdered women.
While tensions did surface, particularly around 4:32 PM when confrontations erupted between the so-called Black Bloc protesters and police near Palacio Nacional, the event maintained its primary purpose of advocating for women’s rights. Witnesses reported moments where police responded with extinguishers to manage the situation.
Prominent figures joined the march, including Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, the mayor of Cuauhtémoc, who arrived at 3:52 PM to support the movement. Various feminist groups, such as the Comunidad Bis, initiated art campaigns encouraging women to express their experiences through mediums like painting and performing, creating visual narratives of their struggles.
“If you’ve experienced violence or feel sad, let me paint you,” one activist encouraged, creating personal connections as survivors consoled one another through shared stories of their past.
A notable moment of the day occurred when Elvira Canchola, the mother of two young women who tragically died due to negligence, organized a symbolic “tree of sisterhood” inviting the public to honor their lost loved ones by placing names on it, creating heartfelt reminders of those still fighting for justice.
Just before the march's start, groups began assembling as early as 10:00 AM, converging from various locations. Activists from rural areas, indigenous women from states like Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas highlighted their unique struggles with banners demanding respect for their rights and communities.
Despite the volatility reported at certain points - including instances of protesters clashing with police, chanting “Pinche gobierno puto” (F*ck the government), the overall atmosphere resounded with unity, hope, and resilience. Messages included poignant phrases like, “Quiero morir por vieja, no por ser vieja” (I want to die of old age, not because I'm old), encapsulating the urgency for societal change.
Throughout the march, many participants reiterated demands for improvement, urging the government to prioritize services for psychological support as educational rights, ensuring mental health resources are accessible to all students. “This should not be a privilege, but rather, our right,” emphasized professor Fátima Acevedo.
Vicarious violence advocates marched proudly, demanding justice for the survivors, including individuals like Becky Ríos, who has managed to live beyond the horrors of femicide and now stands alongside families of victims, amplifying their cries for justice.
Merchants reported increased activity during the march, with Anayeli García, who sells flowers at the center of the city's historic district, noting, “Every 8M is good for sales, but this is not about violence, it's about unity and advocacy.” Her sentiment reflects the complex realities of the day, where commerce intersects with activism.
The rich, multifaceted nature of this march also included emotional spaces for healing set up by two psychologists, Jasibe and Jana, who provided support to those affected by the experiences and traumas highlighted during the march. Signs displayed here stated, “You’re safe here, breathe with us,” creating safe havens amid the chaos of protest.
Even as demonstrations unfolded, there were instances of levity where women offered flowers to police officers manning the route, adding yet another layer to the day's complexity. Such acts challenge stereotypes and encourage dialogues between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
From the initial gathering at the Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan to the collective march concluding at the Zócalo, the spirit of resistance echoed loudly through the streets of Mexico City on this powerful day of recognition and reflection on the challenges women face. Witnesses described it as more than just another day of protest but rather as a significant landmark moment declaring there is no going back. Women are standing strong, united, and demanding their voices be heard.