March 8, International Women’s Day
In the U.S. and Around the World
March 10, 2025
Permalink: https://revcom.us/en/march-8-international-womens-day-us-and-around-world
In cities across the country and around the world, thousands were in the streets for International Women’s Day. The protests were fueled by anger at Trump’s vicious hatred of woman and attacks on LGBT people.
It’s important to note that in several cities across the country, RefuseFascism.org stepped out with the understanding people urgently need: Stop the war on women and LGBTQ people! In the name of humanity, we refuse to accept a fascist America! They linked this to the rapidly-moving Trump MAGA fascist program: “NOW IS THE TIME WHEN WE MUST RISE UP AND ACT TO STOP THE CONSOLIDATION OF TRUMP MAGA FASCISM. For the lives of people here and around the world we must refuse unlawful and inhumane orders… we must fill the streets and town squares in rising numbers — not stopping until we become millions — not relenting until this regime is no longer able to implement its program.”
We’re going to include here just some of the sights and sounds from protests across the country, and around the world.
New York City
Over 1,000 people marched from a protest called for by the Women’s March from Washington Square to Union Square, where Refuse Fascism was beginning their rally. Most people stayed taking up the Refuse Fascism chants and were gripped by a speech from Sunsara Taylor, co-initiator of Refuse Fascism and co-host of The RNL – Revolution Nothing Less – Show. The Refuse Fascism rally, kicked off by Sunsara, included the Raging Grannies in song; Ann Wright, former State Department officer who resigned over U.S. war on Iraq; Carl Dix spoke for the Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity; members of Trans Queer Voices spoke and musicians Outernational and Mexicanas Resistiendo. Throughout, organizers with RefuseFascism.org called on people to get organized to defeat Trump MAGA fascism. After the rally, hundreds took off in a spirited march.
Chicago
1500 people gathered at Chicago’s Daley Plaza for International Women’s Day. The protest was organized by Gemmes for Femmes in unity with the Women’s March. There were speakers from the League of Women Voters, Chicago Indivisible, 50501 Chicago, an abortion rights group Personal PAC, Refuse Fascism and others.
Los Angeles
Over 100 people marched through the busy, LGBT neighborhood of West Hollywood at a protest organized by Refuse Fascism. The crowd was filled with LGBTQ people, women, men, young and old. Speakers included a Ukrainian immigrant and public school teacher who talked about the attacks on education, an organizer with Refuse Fascism who is also a theologian who brought alive the lessons of Nazi Germany and talked about the danger of standing aside, and an organizer with Refuse Fascism read from the important new Call to Conscience. Michelle Xai spoke for the Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity. Two musicians performed including Kill My Coquette and an Iranian singer, Izzy T.
That same morning, about 1,000 people – of different ages and backgrounds – marched in downtown LA at a protest organized by the Women’s March.
Oakland
Five hundred people came to the protest in Oakland for International Woman’s Day, responding to the call from Refuse Fascism. After a rally at Lake Merritt, a diverse, defiant and spirited crowd took to the streets, held a die-in in a major intersection in front of the Grand Lake Theater, and then marched back to the Lake for a speak out. Many people spoke with passion and clarity that Trump Must Go. This included someone from the ACLU, the REVCOM CORPS For The Emancipation Of Humanity, a Mapuche environmental activist from Latin America and a woman issuing a call for people to struggle with those they know and work with to confront and defy a fascist America.
San Antonio
About 1,500 people rallied and marched on International Women’s Day (IWD) in San Antonio. IWD manifestations have been held in San Antonio for about 20 years. But this year, in a framework of rapidly developing fascism, it was angrier, larger, and drew in a range of people from many backgrounds and struggles.
Into this mix, the Revcom Corps for the Emancipation of Humanity, Texas, brought a powerful message of women’s emancipation, revolution, and going on the offensive to defeat Trump MAGA fascism.
Throughout the day, Many people took up the slogans:
STOP THE WAR ON WOMEN AND LGBTQ PEOPLE!
THE FASCIST TRUMP REGIME MUST GO! IN THE NAME OF HUMANITY WE REFUSE TO ACCEPT A FASCIST AMERICA!
BREAK THE CHAINS! UNLEASH THE FURY OF WOMEN AS A MIGHTY FORCE FOR REVOLUTION!
Honolulu
About 800 people joined an International Women’s Day Protest called by Refuse Fascism Hawai`i and other organizations. After initially gathering and holding signs in front of the State Capitol, there was a loud march through the government district and around Iolani Palace. People were of all ethnicities and ages. Constant rain squalls failed to dampen spirits and energy remained high throughout.
Seattle
2000 People protested for International Women’s Day in Seattle. The crowd was young, with a notable number of mothers with their young daughters. Older women who were in struggles for women’s rights going back to the 1960’s were there. A significant portion of the people were from the gay and trans community. Speakers included a representative from Capitol Hill Pride, a Black trans woman, and a 93 year old woman revolutionary who raised the slogan: “Break the Chains, Unleash the Fury of Women as a Mighty Force for Revolution.” A Refuse Fascism organizer made a statement based on the new Refuse Fascism “Statement of Conscience.”
Refuse Fascism Seattle, Capitol Hill Pride, and Women’s March supporters then united in leading a powerful and uplifting march down Broadway, the main drag of the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, which includes the heart of the Seattle gay community. This was followed by a march to the heart of downtown Seattle at Westlake Park, where there was a speak-out.
And In Other Countries Around the World
