Women across various continents gathered in significant numbers on International Women's Day to advocate for gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence. In Istanbul, Turkey, a vibrant rally took place in Kadikoy, where participants from numerous women's organizations came together to express their demands while enjoying performances in the pleasant spring weather. The event was marked by a notable police presence, including riot-equipped officers and a water cannon truck, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding women's rights in the region. Activists voiced their opposition to the Turkish government's recent declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of the Family,' arguing that it undermines women's roles beyond domesticity, as indicated by banners proclaiming 'Family will not bind us to life' and 'We will not be sacrificed to the family.' Criticism has been directed toward the government, with allegations of inadequate measures to protect women's rights, particularly following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention in 2021, a treaty designed to combat domestic violence. According to the Turkish rights group We Will Stop Femicides Platform, 394 women were killed by men in 2024, highlighting the urgency of the protesters' demands for societal change. In various European cities, women similarly rallied for improved access to gender-specific healthcare, equal pay, and to denounce violence against women. In Warsaw, Poland, activists established a center near the parliament where women could obtain abortion pills, a move seen as a direct challenge to the nation's restrictive abortion laws. Demonstrations also unfolded in London, where the 18th annual Million Women Rise march attracted thousands calling for gender equality. Meanwhile, in Rome, women participated in a Transfeminist strike, amplifying their voices for equality. In other parts of Europe, events focused on systemic issues faced by women. For instance, in North Macedonia, protests highlighted the alarming statistics regarding property ownership among women, with only 28% owning property, and a mere 5% in rural areas. In Nigeria, a large gathering in Lagos celebrated womanhood, with participants donning purple, the traditional color of the women's liberation movement. Conversely, in Russia, International Women's Day was marked by a more official observance, where honor guard soldiers presented flowers to women in St. Petersburg. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier emphasized the need to protect the progress made in gender equality, cautioning against the rising populist sentiments that threaten to undermine this advancement. Across South America, protests were organized in response to the alarming rates of femicides. In Quito, Ecuador, demonstrators marched to the rhythm of drums, calling for justice for women who have lost their lives to violence. Bolivia witnessed thousands taking to the streets, demanding accountability for femicides amid a backdrop of impunity in the legal system. From Athens to Madrid, women's marches reflected a collective resolve to challenge their status as second-class citizens in multiple spheres of life. The demonstrations on this International Women's Day serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality, safety, and recognition of women's rights across the globe.