Thousands march in Amsterdam for International Women’s Day protest

Thousands of people gathered at the Dam in Amsterdam on Saturday to participate in the Feminist March, held in observance of International Women’s Day. Among the demonstrators were many men, and protesters carried signs with slogans such as "Stay out of my womb," "Mansplain why I’m here," and "Andrew Tate, kiss my ass."

The march proceeded from the Dam to the Museumplein, following a scheduled program of speeches and performances at the starting point. Due to the demonstration, trams around the Dam were rerouted.

The Feminist March, the successor to the Women’s March, is organized annually to advocate for women’s rights. According to the event’s organizers, a coalition of feminist movements and social organizations, taking to the streets is especially crucial now. “Feminism is under pressure. Around the world, we see a growing backlash against gender equality, human rights, and social justice,” stated co-organizer WOMEN Inc. in a social media post. Last year’s protest march was canceled due to safety concerns.

Beyond Amsterdam, International Women’s Day was marked by various events across the country. In Rotterdam, a design for a monument against femicide was unveiled. The artwork, planned for the Coolsingel, aims to honor victims of femicide, including 16-year-old Humeyra, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

In Groningen, a truck converted into a mobile cinema was stationed at the Grote Markt, screening a short film about femicide. The truck belongs to a man who lost his daughter to gender-based violence.

In Amsterdam at the Stopera and on Friday at Rotterdam’s Stadhuisplein, red high heels and shoes were placed as a symbolic protest against femicide.

Separately, at Utrecht’s Domplein, several hundred people gathered for a demonstration in support of student protests in Serbia. Protests have been ongoing in Serbia for months, with demonstrators taking to the streets against alleged government corruption. Many of the protesters are students.

Public outrage intensified in Serbia after the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad last November, which killed 15 people. The incident led to further protests, with critics blaming poor government oversight. According to organizers, around 300 people attended the Utrecht demonstration.