Women and supporters march in downtown San José today to observe International Women’s Day and voice demands for greater rights and protections. The 8M March begins at 10 a.m. at Parque Central. Feminist collectives and social organizations from across the country lead the procession. They gather under the slogan “Por la democracia, los derechos y la vida digna de las mujeres.”
Organizers focus on three main areas. They defend democratic institutions and public bodies that support women, including the National Institute of Women, the Social Security Fund, the Public Education Ministry, the Electricity Institute and the Child Welfare Board. They call for a national emergency declaration on gender-based violence. This includes more resources for prevention programs, shelters and justice processes. They also demand execution of the integral reparation law for femicide survivors.
On the labor front, participants oppose the four-day work week followed by three days off. They argue the schedule burdens women. They advocate for a national care system and restored sexuality education programs in schools. The march also pushes for legal abortion access and action against political and digital violence. The event brings together women from indigenous, Afro-descendant, rural and other communities.
The San José municipality organizes parallel activities at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana which just started at 9 a.m. These include programs on resistance and rights defense. The Tecnológico de Costa Rica also hosts a march at 10 a.m. and related forums.
Other institutions mark the day. The Instituto Nacional de las Mujeres held a commemorative act. The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses released an infographic that stresses the ongoing fight for equity. The Ministry of Labor and the Social Security Fund issued statements that recognize women’s contributions to society.
International Women’s Day dates to early 20th century labor struggles. The United Nations recognized the date in 1977. Costa Rica has a long history of feminist activism that spans more than a century. Events today reflect calls for rights, justice and action for all women and girls around the world. This year, participants stress that fear does not rule them and that they will not accept any rollback in gains.
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