Sat Mar 08 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Global Celebrations and Protests Mark International Women’s Day

**MEXICO CITY (AP) —** International Women’s Day was observed globally on March 8th, 2025, with a mix of celebrations and protests highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality. From large-scale demonstrations in Lagos, Nigeria, and flash mobs in St. Petersburg, Russia, to a beauty pageant in Yangon, Myanmar, and the simple act of gifting flowers in Moscow, the day saw diverse expressions of commemoration.

Reports from AP photographers documented women singing, dancing, and marching in celebratory rallies, while others participated in more solemn events, such as the Miss Yangon competition. In Russia, women participating in a flash mob titled “Beautiful Secular Outing” donned hats and took selfies at a performance. Meanwhile, Muscovites carried bouquets of flowers purchased from the market, reflecting a long-standing tradition in Eastern Europe.

This year’s global theme, “Accelerate Action,” underscores a growing concern among activists about a potential rollback of women’s rights. The UN reported that one in four countries experienced a backlash against women’s rights in the previous year. Demonstrations, ranging from peaceful gatherings to more combative protests, took place worldwide, with women demanding equal pay, reproductive rights, improved access to education and healthcare, and justice for victims of gender-based violence.

While International Women’s Day is an official holiday in over 20 countries, its significance transcends national boundaries. Social media played a vital role in amplifying the voices of women in countries with repressive governments. The day’s commemoration holds particular significance this year, given the recent setbacks in women’s rights globally, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States. The impact of this decision has resonated internationally, reigniting debates across Europe. The ongoing struggles, from the violence against women in Mexico to the continued fight for basic rights in many parts of the world, remain a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equality.

Read More