Hundreds of thousands of women rallied worldwide on Saturday for International Women’s Day, demanding equality and an end to gender-based violence. In Luxembourg, protesters focused on protecting migrant women, ensuring justice in social policies, and addressing violence against women.

While support for women’s rights is growing, real progress remains slow. Gender equality indexes from EU and UN institutions show slight improvements in pay gaps, education, career opportunities, and political representation. However, gender-based violence and femicide remain urgent concerns.

Data remains scarce, but a European Commission survey reveals alarming figures: one in eight women has experienced sexual violence, and one in five has faced physical or sexual violence by a partner. Feminist movements across Europe demand stricter measures to prevent gender-based violence and ensure harsher sentences for femicide. Advocates push for legal recognition of femicide to prevent perpetrators from receiving reduced charges.

The growing momentum behind these movements reflects public frustration with slow reforms. Activists emphasize that awareness alone isn’t enough—legal and structural changes are essential to achieving lasting gender equality.

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