This International Women’s Day, let’s get organised
By: Anita Bhadani
Date: 6 March 2025
Campaigns: General
Across the world, International Women’s Day takes place on Saturday 8th March. While the corporatised dilution of IWD rings hollow, we must continue the fight against the material harms affecting women and people of marginalised genders today, from the epidemic of misogynistic violence, to gendered exploitation in the workplace, to political attacks on women’s basic dignities and rights worldwide.
In the face of these interconnected struggles, it’s even more urgent to reclaim the roots of IWD as a socialist feminist movement – where women across the world can unite. So let’s get organised! Whether you’re taking action for the first or 100th time, here is a sample of events taking place across the UK this weekend as we keep the fight going for liberation for all women, year round.
Join your local IWD rally, march or demonstration
Demonstrations and rallies will be taking place across the UK and globally this IWD – many demonstrations will have different blocs you can march with. It’s worth looking up whether inclusive grassroots groups in your area are planning something – if not, why not try mobilising a few people yourself?
In Glasgow, ROSA International Socialist Feminists are assembling at Buchanan Street, stating that “when trans rights are under attack and women in Palestine face brutal violence, our voices must roar even louder”. Meanwhile in London, a large coalition of 36 groups including Sisters Uncut, the Feminist Assembly of Latin Americans and United Voices of the World are taking to the streets – beginning at 3pm for the Care Work Strike, and ending their demo with the Sex Work Strike.
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Stand in solidarity with women around the world
Alongside the main IWD rallies, it’s worth looking up whether there are protests planned in your local area that are fighting for the liberation of all women. In London, Taiwan Democracy and Workers Against the CCP are assembling supporters at the Chinese Embassy, to protest in solidarity with women political prisoners in Hong Kong and China. They invite people to join and bring trade union banners and placards.
Attend a vigil to grieve lives lost to violence
IWD is also a moment to grieve for lives lost to the hands of violence, and stand in solidarity with women’s movements around the world fighting to eradicate its root causes. Across England, local Palestine Solidarity Campaign groups have organised a series of vigils for people “to come together in solidarity to accelerate action for the women and children of Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, the Congo, Sudan and beyond”.
Witness women’s transformative art
Art can give expression to feelings, experiences and struggles that foster connection and embody our shared humanity. The role of art both in reflecting our political times – and often as a form of activism in itself – can shift our struggles from private to public spheres, making them impossible to ignore. ‘Women In Revolt! Act and Activism in the UK 1970 – 1990’ is a brilliantly curated exhibition, exploring themes including maternal and domestic experiences, anti-racist and LGBTQ+ activism, and the peace movement. It’s touring the UK and is currently at the Whitworth in Manchester till June – and is definitely worth the visit.
Get involved in inclusive grassroots community events
Across the UK, there are obviously far more events than can possibly be encapsulated in one short list. So get involved in your community on IWD and beyond: find out what groups fighting for liberation in your area are organising and get involved, this weekend and year round. We hold the power to transform our world and make our voices heard, when we act together.
Header image info/credit: Tohono Indian Women led the Tucson 2019 Women’s March. Dulcey Lima / Unsplash.
