For International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, people worldwide are engaging in diverse activities. While some events honor women’s accomplishments, others serve as protests aimed at combating gender inequality and gender-based violence.
In Bangkok, women took to the streets with banners, mirroring the actions of activists in Berlin. In the U.K., some women recognized the day by participating in sunrise swims.
In the United States, the Women’s March—an initiative that originated in response to Trump’s first presidency—organized marches to promote their “Unite and Resist” message and celebrate their commitments.
Rachel O’Leary Carmona, the executive director of Women’s March, expressed that the day aims to strengthen community ties and encourage democratic engagement, especially amidst the current political landscape where resistance to Trump’s administration seems divided.
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Responses during Trump’s recent congressional address showcased the differing opinions on the left, ranging from congresswomen dressed in pink to signify dissent against Trump’s impact on women to others displaying solidarity with Ukraine.
Carmona emphasized that the left’s varying priorities shouldn’t hinder their collective resistance against what she deems “authoritarianism,” viewing International Women’s Day as an opportunity to demonstrate unity.
“Different goals do not imply a lack of shared direction,” Carmona stated, acknowledging the fragmentation while advocating for a consolidated effort.
The Women’s March, recognized for its monumental gathering following Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, unites voices across issues, mobilizing over 500,000 people in Washington, D.C. and more than 4 million nationwide. Carmona describes this initial movement as “historic” and a pivotal point of resistance.
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However, these times are distinctly different.
“We’re eight years and two presidential terms past that moment, grappling with the changes that have unfolded,” she explained, pointing to the post-COVID, post-January 6, and post-Dobbs realities.
In response to evolving social climates, Women’s March has focused on rebranding, particularly following internal disputes and accusations surrounding diversity and representation within the movement.
Today, Women’s March aims to foster a diverse and compassionate activism approach, appealing to multi-racial and intersectional voices.
This evolution includes the return of former activists and the addition of fresh voices. Notably, Ashley Parys and Kailani Rodriguez are emerging organizers leading International Women’s Day events in their communities.
Parys expressed her passion for grassroots organizing in Boston, noting the mentorship from seasoned activists that has guided her growth from a “baby activist” to a committed advocate. Leading up to the event, the Women’s March Boston action page reported nearly 1,500 RSVPs.
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“I have received emails from people bringing entire buses of women of different ages to the protest,” Parys shared.
Rodriguez, a recent high school graduate, organized her first Women’s March in Port Angeles, Washington, after discovering the nearest event was in Seattle, several hours away.
Despite only a few days to plan, her grassroots initiative generated a substantial interest, with numerous inquiries from potential attendees and activists.
“I didn’t foresee this level of involvement; it just unexpectedly fell into my lap,” Rodriguez stated, grateful for the backing from older generations.
For Carmona, the focus of International Women’s Day 2025 is on leaders like Rodriguez and Parys and their role in fostering community engagement and practicing democracy in their neighborhoods.
“Our aim is to empower individuals to cultivate community. We encourage organizing efforts that don’t center around high-tension moments but instead focus on relationship building, so when challenges arise, we can unite for principled struggle,” she said.
