International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated every year on March 8th, is a global day to honor the achievements of women and raise awareness about gender equality. The origins of IWD date back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched in New York City, demanding better working conditions, shorter hours, and the right to vote. In 1910, the idea of IWD was formalized by Clara Zetkin at the International Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, and the first official IWD was celebrated in 1911 across several countries.
In 1917, Russian women played a key role in the February Revolution, marking another turning point in the history of women’s rights. The United Nations officially recognized IWD in 1977, and each year, the event focuses on a specific theme related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
IWD serves as a platform to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness of ongoing gender issues, and advocate for equality. It encourages global action towards eliminating gender-based discrimination and promoting equal rights. Today, it is celebrated worldwide with marches, rallies, and events that spotlight the ongoing struggle for gender parity and the empowerment of women.
Fighting for Women’s Rights
The Feminist March in Luxembourg, held annually on March 8th to mark International Women’s Day, is a key event advocating for gender equality, social justice, and women’s rights. Organized by the JIF (Journée Internationale des Femmes) platform, the march brings together organizations, unions, political parties, and activists to demand systemic changes in Luxembourg and beyond.
The movement gained momentum in 2011, during the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, when the JIF platform was officially established. Since then, the march has grown in size, visibility, and political influence, addressing various feminist issues each year. Initially, the march focused on raising awareness of women’s rights and gender equality, but over the years, it has evolved into a powerful political demonstration tackling topics such as:
- Reproductive rights, including access to safe and legal abortion
- Equal pay and combating the gender pension gap
- The fight against gender-based violence and femicide
- Representation of women in politics and leadership
- Workers’ rights, particularly for women in lower-paid sectors
A Day of Protest and Solidarity
Luxembourg is considered progressive in terms of gender equality,but challenges persist. Women remain underrepresented in decision-making roles, overrepresented in low-wage sectors, and continue to face systemic discrimination. Additionally, global antifeminist movements, rising conservatism, and social injustices have intensified the need for continued activism. Each year, the march reminds us that feminism is not just about symbolic recognition but about real policy changes to create a more just society for all.
Kehsia at the Forefront
Kehsia was proud to participate actively in Luxembourg’s annual Feminist March, standing in solidarity with thousands of others who gathered to demand systemic change and champion women’s rights. This event highlighted critical issues such as pension reform, constitutional abortion rights, gender equality, and the fight against gender-based violence—all causes that align deeply with the values and mission of Kehsia.
As an organization dedicated to promoting gender equality, social justice, and the empowerment of women, Kehsia has long been at the forefront of advocacy in these areas. Our mission is to create a world where women’s rights are respected and all individuals, regardless of gender, can enjoy equal opportunities and protection under the law. By participating in this year’s march, Kehsia reaffirms its commitment to challenging the systemic inequalities that continue to affect women and marginalized communities.
The Feminist March serves as a powerful platform for collective action, and Kehsia is honored to stand alongside fellow organizations, activists, and citizens in demanding tangible progress for the rights of women. Whether it’s advocating for legal access to abortion, fighting for equal pay, or pushing for pension reform that ensures fair treatment for women in the workforce, Kehsia is dedicated to making sure that women’s voices are heard in all spheres of society.
By joining this march, Kehsia not only helped raise awareness of these pressing issues but also contributed to the wider fight for a more inclusive and just society for all.
