On March 8, 2025, the streets of Mexico City buzzed with the voices of women marching to reclaim their rights, showcasing how deeply rooted the feminist movement is within Mexican society. Claudia and Alessandro, who typically attend such protests together, chose to participate separately this year. This decision highlights the unique nature of this year’s march, particularly as certain areas were reserved exclusively for women. This move reflects the urgent need to create safe spaces within communities plagued by gender violence.
Statistics paint a grim picture of the realities women face; according to reports, 68% of Mexican women have encountered street harassment, and research indicates seven out of ten have experienced violence, much of it stemming from domestic environments or occurring publicly. Such alarming figures underlie the motivations driving this annual event, which has evolved significantly over the years.
The atmosphere during the march was charged with emotion and purpose. Holding placards and chanting slogans, participants expressed their collective frustrations not only against patriarchy but also against capitalism and systemic oppression. Feminism, as articulated by many during the march, deviates sharply from Western expressions; it is deeply entwined with the daily struggles of women and focuses on broad anti-capitalist, anti-racist, and anti-colonial ideals.
Claudia shared insights about the presence of the "Black Bloc"—a contingent of women committed to protecting marchers from external threats, particularly violence from the police and antifeminist men. This protective element reflects the specific dangers women face during protests, reinforced by recent interactions between demonstrators and law enforcement. Last year’s march witnessed the attendance of approximately 180,000 people, underscoring the powerful mobilization around issues affecting women.
Despite fears of clashes with police this year, participants remained steadfast. Many carried messages painted on walls throughout the procession: "Free Palestine," "Mexico is femicidal," and "My friends protect me" served as rallying cries echoing the broader interconnectedness of feminist struggles globally.
Femicide remains a pressing crisis within Mexico, with three women tragically murdered each day and the majority of these crimes going unpunished. The march's culmination at the Zócalo, the heart of Mexico City, became especially poignant as families of femicide victims gathered to honor and pay tribute to their lost loved ones. This solemn moment served as both remembrance and resistance, illustrating the urgent demand for justice and accountability.
The march did not merely serve as a platform for protest; it was also emblematic of the resilience and solidarity among women. While city officials might aim to erase the traces of this powerful demonstration, the determination of Mexican women to continue fighting for their rights and to broadcast their demands remains unwavering. Claudia and Alessandro, each deeply embedded in the movement yet approaching it from distinct perspectives, embody the diverse strategies women are employing to assert their presence and demand change.