Trending Now - International Women's Day: Global Celebrations and Responses

WHO:

President Trump, Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission), Volodymyr Zelenskyy (President of Ukraine), Pedro Sánchez (Prime Minister of Spain), Giorgia Meloni (Prime Minister of Italy), António Costa (President of the European Council), António Guterres (General Secretary of the UN), Rachel O’Leary Carmona (Executive Director of Women’s March), Virginia Giuffre (accuser of Jeffrey Epstein), Aurat March (network of women’s rights activists).

WHAT:

International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8th, 2026, marking its 115th year.

The theme for 2026 was “Give to Gain,” focusing on fundraising for women’s issues.

Approximately 20,000 people attended a march in Berlin, double the expected number.

In Brazil, protests were held against gender-based violence, particularly in response to a gang rape case involving a 17-year-old girl.

In Chile, tens of thousands marched in Santiago and other cities, particularly significant due to the upcoming inauguration of José Antonio Kast.

In Spain, tens of thousands protested for equality and against violence towards women.

In Peru, a 5-kilometer race in Lima attracted around 7,500 participants.

Police in Pakistan briefly detained women’s rights activists during a rally against a government ban on public gatherings.

Advocates rallied outside Zorro Ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Jeffrey Epstein allegedly abused underage girls.

WHERE:

International Women’s Day events occurred globally, including Berlin (Germany), Brazil, Santiago (Chile), Spain, Lima (Peru), Islamabad (Pakistan), and Albuquerque (New Mexico, USA).

The protests in Brazil were specifically in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro.

WHEN:

International Women’s Day was observed on March 8th, 2026.

The gang rape case in Brazil occurred in January 2026.

José Antonio Kast is set to assume the presidency on March 11th, 2026.

The U.N. began commemorating International Women’s Day in 1975.

WHY:

The day serves as a celebration and a call to action for women’s rights, including equal pay, reproductive rights, and justice for gender-based violence.

The protests in Brazil were fueled by outrage over a gang rape case.

HOW:

Events included marches, protests, and charity runs.

Activists in Pakistan attempted to hold a rally despite a government ban on public gatherings.

The Women’s March organized a rally outside Zorro Ranch to address issues related to Jeffrey Epstein.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 01:23 UTC)

International Women’s Day was celebrated yesterday, marking its 115th year with the theme “Give to Gain,” which focused on fundraising for women’s issues. Around the world, approximately 20,000 people attended a march in Berlin, while protests in Brazil against gender-based violence drew significant attention, particularly in response to a gang rape case involving a 17-year-old girl. Events also took place in Santiago, Spain, Lima, and even Albuquerque, New Mexico, where activists rallied outside Zorro Ranch to address the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein's abuses.