Intensive preparations for International Women's Day celebrations are underway in Europe and Latin America. In Spain, the feminist movement is once again grappling with internal divisions, resulting in two separate demonstrations in Madrid. Meanwhile, in Colombia, march plans have been adjusted due to the electoral calendar, while in Germany and France, organizations are focusing on combating anti-feminism and the effects of armed conflicts on women's situations.
Divisions in Spanish feminism
Madrid will host two separate marches on March 8 for the fifth time, reflecting ideological differences within the movement regarding trans rights and prostitution.
Schedule changes in Colombia
Due to national elections, women's organizations in Colombia were forced to change the dates and routes of traditional feminist demonstrations.
Fighting anti-feminism in Berlin
German Greens are calling for enhanced protection for women against the growing wave of hatred and radical anti-feminist movements in the capital.
This year's International Women's Day celebrations, falling on March 8, 2026, are characterized by significant social mobilization but also clear ideological differences within women's movements. In Spain, traditionally one of the centers for the largest demonstrations, Madrid will host two separate marches for the fifth consecutive year. This division stems from disagreements over key legal and social issues, including approaches to transgender rights and prostitution regulations. The main march routes have already been designated, and city services are preparing for significant traffic disruptions. In Germany, public debate ahead of March 8 focuses on the rise of anti-feminist sentiments. Representatives of the Green Party in Berlin point to the necessity of a systemic fight against hatred directed at women, emphasizing that the German capital has become a flashpoint for such phenomena. In Potsdam, celebrations are planned to be mixed, combining strikes and political demands with cultural events. Meanwhile, in France, particularly in the Gironde department, three main demonstrations are scheduled to draw attention to pay inequality and domestic violence. International Women's Day was formally established by the UN in 1977, though its roots trace back to labor movements in North America and Europe in the early 20th century. The situation in Colombia shows how the local political context influences the celebrations. Due to the coincidence of dates with elections, organizers decided to modify the schedule and march routes to avoid clashing with the electoral silence and ensure the safety of participants. Globally, this year's Feminist Coordinator places particular emphasis on the impact of wars on girls' education and the situation of women in conflict zones. The demonstrations are intended not only as an expression of solidarity but also as a call for concrete reforms in education and social care systems. „El feminismo pone el foco en las guerras y la educación” (Feminism focuses on wars and education) — Representative of the Feminist Coordinator In many cities, such as Santander or Bordeaux, changes to public transport have already been announced, indicating the scale of expected attendance. Despite internal disputes, the main goal remains the fight for parity and the elimination of systemic discrimination, which still affects women in the labor market and in the private sphere.