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International Women's Day: events highlighting gender inequality take place around the world - live updates International Women's Day: events highlighting gender inequality take place around the world - live updates
(32 minutes later)
On International Women’s Day, we’ll be following the commemorative events all around the world.On International Women’s Day, we’ll be following the commemorative events all around the world.
Paris, France
Demonstrations are underway in the French capital. A number of Mexican women are there protesting against femicide in Mexico.
Baghdad, Iraq
A demonstration is taking place in the capital of Baghdad to call for gender equality.
If you’re on the go, but still want to mark IWD, here’s some podcast suggestions from Miranda Sawyer.
This from Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent:
Hundreds of rallies and demonstrations are kicking off across Spain, which has seen huge crowds gather to mark International Women’s Day over recent years.Hundreds of rallies and demonstrations are kicking off across Spain, which has seen huge crowds gather to mark International Women’s Day over recent years.
Nationwide events are going ahead despite the coronavirus alert, although Spain’s health authorities have asked people showing symptoms consistent with the virus to stay at home.Nationwide events are going ahead despite the coronavirus alert, although Spain’s health authorities have asked people showing symptoms consistent with the virus to stay at home.
Protests are due to be held in all the country’s big cities and towns including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Valladolid and Santander.Protests are due to be held in all the country’s big cities and towns including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Granada, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Valladolid and Santander.
Fourteen women have been murdered by their partners in Spain so far this year, while 99 died at the hands of their partners in 2019. Since the government began recording gender-based violence deaths in 2003, a total of 1,047 women have been murdered.Fourteen women have been murdered by their partners in Spain so far this year, while 99 died at the hands of their partners in 2019. Since the government began recording gender-based violence deaths in 2003, a total of 1,047 women have been murdered.
Organisers and campaigners have urged women across Spain to take to the streets “to demand that the state, the Catholic hierarchy, the patriarchal powers - both economic and political - and the sexist culture (of our friends, fathers, brothers and neighbours) respect our autonomy and freedom to take decisions when it comes to our sexuality, our bodies and our life plans”.Organisers and campaigners have urged women across Spain to take to the streets “to demand that the state, the Catholic hierarchy, the patriarchal powers - both economic and political - and the sexist culture (of our friends, fathers, brothers and neighbours) respect our autonomy and freedom to take decisions when it comes to our sexuality, our bodies and our life plans”.
Today’s manifesto also roundly rejects those who seek to use women’s rights as a means to justify violence against women.Today’s manifesto also roundly rejects those who seek to use women’s rights as a means to justify violence against women.
“We reject the use people make of the rights of women, lesbians and trans people to favour and legitimise racist and reactionary policies and discourses,” it reads. “We want all of us to be free.”“We reject the use people make of the rights of women, lesbians and trans people to favour and legitimise racist and reactionary policies and discourses,” it reads. “We want all of us to be free.”
Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, tweeted: “Today we are taking to the streets because they belong to us, too, and so that we can live free of sexist violence, so that we can share out time, riches and care provision, and so that we can love whoever we want and be whoever we want. We are doing it for those who came before and those who will coe in the future.”Spain’s equality minister, Irene Montero, tweeted: “Today we are taking to the streets because they belong to us, too, and so that we can live free of sexist violence, so that we can share out time, riches and care provision, and so that we can love whoever we want and be whoever we want. We are doing it for those who came before and those who will coe in the future.”
Earlier on Sunday, Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, called on anyone who thought they may have the coronavirus to “avoid the demonstrations, stay home and self-isolate”.Earlier on Sunday, Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, called on anyone who thought they may have the coronavirus to “avoid the demonstrations, stay home and self-isolate”.
London, UKLondon, UK
Demonstrators from climate activist group Extinction Rebellion have been protesting in London for IWD, arguing that the “climate is a women’s issue.”Demonstrators from climate activist group Extinction Rebellion have been protesting in London for IWD, arguing that the “climate is a women’s issue.”
Thirty one women formed a topless chain blocking Waterloo Bridge in London, with the words ‘Climate Rape’, ‘Climate Murder’, ‘Climate Abuse’, ‘Climate Inequality’ and ‘Climate Justice’ written on their bodies.Thirty one women formed a topless chain blocking Waterloo Bridge in London, with the words ‘Climate Rape’, ‘Climate Murder’, ‘Climate Abuse’, ‘Climate Inequality’ and ‘Climate Justice’ written on their bodies.
The group said the action was to highlight “the disproportionate impact of the climate and ecological emergency on women, and the resulting increase in hardship, violence and rape.”The group said the action was to highlight “the disproportionate impact of the climate and ecological emergency on women, and the resulting increase in hardship, violence and rape.”
“The UK action is in solidarity with everyone on the streets for International Women’s Day with the message that ‘climate is a women’s issue’ and calls on women in the UK to recognise this is happening to our sisters in the global south now and will be a reality faced by all women if decisive action is not taken,” a statement added.“The UK action is in solidarity with everyone on the streets for International Women’s Day with the message that ‘climate is a women’s issue’ and calls on women in the UK to recognise this is happening to our sisters in the global south now and will be a reality faced by all women if decisive action is not taken,” a statement added.
They chose Waterloo Bridge because of its nickname of ‘The Ladies Bridge’, as many of the welders, stonemasons and labourers that built the bridge during the second world war were women.They chose Waterloo Bridge because of its nickname of ‘The Ladies Bridge’, as many of the welders, stonemasons and labourers that built the bridge during the second world war were women.
The action in the UK is part of a wave of Extinction Rebellion IWD, spanning Colombia, Spain, Turkey, The Gambia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Uganda, DRC, Belgium, Israel, The Philippines, Switzerland, Argentina and the UK.The action in the UK is part of a wave of Extinction Rebellion IWD, spanning Colombia, Spain, Turkey, The Gambia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Uganda, DRC, Belgium, Israel, The Philippines, Switzerland, Argentina and the UK.
Sarah Mintram, former teacher and member of the Extinction Rebellion International Support Team, who took part in the action in London, said: “It’s mainly women in poorer countries in the global south that are experiencing the increase in violence but this will be the reality for all women if the climate and ecological crisis continues to go unaddressed.”Sarah Mintram, former teacher and member of the Extinction Rebellion International Support Team, who took part in the action in London, said: “It’s mainly women in poorer countries in the global south that are experiencing the increase in violence but this will be the reality for all women if the climate and ecological crisis continues to go unaddressed.”
“We are here to raise the alarm about what is happening to our sisters around the world and to tell women in the UK the climate and ecological emergency is your issue – it will affect you as a woman if we do not persuade our government to take urgent action starting now.”“We are here to raise the alarm about what is happening to our sisters around the world and to tell women in the UK the climate and ecological emergency is your issue – it will affect you as a woman if we do not persuade our government to take urgent action starting now.”
Baghdad, IraqBaghdad, Iraq
Celebrations have been taking place in Tahrir Square in the capital of Baghdad to mark IWD.Celebrations have been taking place in Tahrir Square in the capital of Baghdad to mark IWD.
Some were seen wearing face masks, seemingly in response to fears around coronavirus. Iraq currently has 47 confirmed cases, and four deaths from the virus.Some were seen wearing face masks, seemingly in response to fears around coronavirus. Iraq currently has 47 confirmed cases, and four deaths from the virus.
Scandinavia, Finland, and IcelandScandinavia, Finland, and Iceland
The Prime Ministers of Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden have released a joint statement reaffirming their commitments to gender equality.The Prime Ministers of Iceland, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden have released a joint statement reaffirming their commitments to gender equality.
The statement also highlights their “grave concern over the current pushback against women’s and girls’ rights” and calls on other world leaders to reject this.The statement also highlights their “grave concern over the current pushback against women’s and girls’ rights” and calls on other world leaders to reject this.
“We have witnessed a surge in regressive policies around the world, often undermining universal human rights,” it says.“We have witnessed a surge in regressive policies around the world, often undermining universal human rights,” it says.
You can read the full statement here.You can read the full statement here.
Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report for the past 11 years, with Nordic countries making up four of the top five gender equal countries.Iceland has topped the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report for the past 11 years, with Nordic countries making up four of the top five gender equal countries.
London, UKLondon, UK
The March4Women is set to kick off in an hour’s time in the British capital. The march combines feminist and climate movements, and will be joined by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.The March4Women is set to kick off in an hour’s time in the British capital. The march combines feminist and climate movements, and will be joined by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
Musicians and actors including Emeli Sandé, who will perform, and the Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson will be in attendance, as will activists including Sandi Toksvig, Bianca Jagger and Helen Pankhurst.Musicians and actors including Emeli Sandé, who will perform, and the Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson will be in attendance, as will activists including Sandi Toksvig, Bianca Jagger and Helen Pankhurst.
The March4Women aims to spotlight on the women on the front lines of the climate crisis, and call for action from world leaders.The March4Women aims to spotlight on the women on the front lines of the climate crisis, and call for action from world leaders.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m proud to be marching alongside women and allies this International Women’s Day. The gender inequality we still see in our city, country and globally is unacceptable.The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I’m proud to be marching alongside women and allies this International Women’s Day. The gender inequality we still see in our city, country and globally is unacceptable.
“As Mayor, and as a proud feminist, I’m determined that no woman or girl should be disadvantaged just because of their gender and want London to lead the way in changing that.”“As Mayor, and as a proud feminist, I’m determined that no woman or girl should be disadvantaged just because of their gender and want London to lead the way in changing that.”
It will begin with an opening rally at Royal Festival Hall, as part of the Women of the World festival, and will march over the river Thames, meet crowds at Whitehall place, before moving to Parliament Square for music and a final rally.It will begin with an opening rally at Royal Festival Hall, as part of the Women of the World festival, and will march over the river Thames, meet crowds at Whitehall place, before moving to Parliament Square for music and a final rally.
A new campaign to promote the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has been launched in the UK on IWD, with the support of celebrities including Olivia Coleman and Lorraine Kelly.A new campaign to promote the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has been launched in the UK on IWD, with the support of celebrities including Olivia Coleman and Lorraine Kelly.
The helpline’s campaign has been launched by the charity Refuge, who provide specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.The helpline’s campaign has been launched by the charity Refuge, who provide specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
They want every woman to know the number of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247, and the charity will be projecting it on to the largest advertising display in Europe, London’s Piccadilly lights, at midday.They want every woman to know the number of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, 0808 2000 247, and the charity will be projecting it on to the largest advertising display in Europe, London’s Piccadilly lights, at midday.
TV presenter Lorraine Kelly said: “It is a disgrace that in 2020 we live in a world where so many women experience domestic abuse - the numbers are shocking. No woman should live in fear. That needs to change - today.”TV presenter Lorraine Kelly said: “It is a disgrace that in 2020 we live in a world where so many women experience domestic abuse - the numbers are shocking. No woman should live in fear. That needs to change - today.”
Kelly and Coleman have both changed the pictures on their social media profiles to the helpline, to help promote it.Kelly and Coleman have both changed the pictures on their social media profiles to the helpline, to help promote it.
Chief executive of Refuge Sandra Horley said: “Refuge’s freephone 24 hour national domestic abuse helpline is at the heart of how this country responds to domestic abuse - it is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of women across the country.Chief executive of Refuge Sandra Horley said: “Refuge’s freephone 24 hour national domestic abuse helpline is at the heart of how this country responds to domestic abuse - it is a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of women across the country.
“0808 2000 247 is a number that every woman should know. Today, International Women’s Day, Refuge and an amazing band of high-profile women will work to make this a reality. Women’s lives depend on it.”“0808 2000 247 is a number that every woman should know. Today, International Women’s Day, Refuge and an amazing band of high-profile women will work to make this a reality. Women’s lives depend on it.”
It is estimated that one in three women experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetimes.It is estimated that one in three women experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetimes.
Bishkek, KyrgyzstanBishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Dozens of protesters, mostly female, have been arrested at a rally calling for gender equality in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after masked men attacked them and tore up their placards.Dozens of protesters, mostly female, have been arrested at a rally calling for gender equality in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after masked men attacked them and tore up their placards.
The detentions came after the men wearing face masks and pointed national hats attacked the crowd, tearing up their posters, popping balloons with toy pistols and throwing eggs at the women before fleeing the scene, AFP report.The detentions came after the men wearing face masks and pointed national hats attacked the crowd, tearing up their posters, popping balloons with toy pistols and throwing eggs at the women before fleeing the scene, AFP report.
Erlan Atantayev, deputy head of the Sverdlovsky police department where the women were taken, told AFP that the protesters had been arrested for their own safety, and because police had not been informed about the rally beforehand.Erlan Atantayev, deputy head of the Sverdlovsky police department where the women were taken, told AFP that the protesters had been arrested for their own safety, and because police had not been informed about the rally beforehand.
“Clashes began between the demonstrators and men wearing the face masks,” said Atantayev. “We detained (the women) for violation of public order.” He added that some demonstrators could face fines for resisting arrest, and that police were conducting “explanatory work” with the protesters they had detained.“Clashes began between the demonstrators and men wearing the face masks,” said Atantayev. “We detained (the women) for violation of public order.” He added that some demonstrators could face fines for resisting arrest, and that police were conducting “explanatory work” with the protesters they had detained.
Police also detained three male attackers but allegedly did not chase after those who ran away.Police also detained three male attackers but allegedly did not chase after those who ran away.
Journalist Nurjamal Djanibekova told AFP that one of the attackers broke her phone to stop her from filming the attack. She said that 70 people were being held in the Sverdlovsky police station.Journalist Nurjamal Djanibekova told AFP that one of the attackers broke her phone to stop her from filming the attack. She said that 70 people were being held in the Sverdlovsky police station.
A ban was placed on demonstrations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, apparently to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, this was later lifted after the city administration withdrew their request.A ban was placed on demonstrations in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, apparently to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, this was later lifted after the city administration withdrew their request.
David Schneider, co-writer of the screenplay for critically acclaimed comedy Death of Stalin, has poked fun at those complaining about the existence of IWD.David Schneider, co-writer of the screenplay for critically acclaimed comedy Death of Stalin, has poked fun at those complaining about the existence of IWD.
AustraliaAustralia
The Australian government has announced a number of new policies to support women in an IWD announcement.The Australian government has announced a number of new policies to support women in an IWD announcement.
The federal government revealed the identity of the country’s first Ambassador for Gender Equality. The role will be held by Julie-Ann Guivarra, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and replaces the role of Ambassador for Women and Girls, a position that had been held by former Liberal MP Sharman Stone since 2017.The federal government revealed the identity of the country’s first Ambassador for Gender Equality. The role will be held by Julie-Ann Guivarra, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and replaces the role of Ambassador for Women and Girls, a position that had been held by former Liberal MP Sharman Stone since 2017.
As part of her role, Ms Guivarra will “work to ensure that gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls, is a central focus of Australia’s diplomatic, development, and regional security efforts,” Minister for Women, Senator Payne, said.As part of her role, Ms Guivarra will “work to ensure that gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls, is a central focus of Australia’s diplomatic, development, and regional security efforts,” Minister for Women, Senator Payne, said.
The government has also pledged $20 million into an interest-free loan program to help victims of domestic violence pay for basic goods, such as furniture and bills.The government has also pledged $20 million into an interest-free loan program to help victims of domestic violence pay for basic goods, such as furniture and bills.
The scheme would make loans of up to $2000 available to women who have experienced domestic violence, Social Services Minister Anne Ruston announced on this years IWD day.The scheme would make loans of up to $2000 available to women who have experienced domestic violence, Social Services Minister Anne Ruston announced on this years IWD day.
“Women leaving violence often face financial hardship and we hope these loans go some way to help them meet the costs of the basics,” she said.“Women leaving violence often face financial hardship and we hope these loans go some way to help them meet the costs of the basics,” she said.
The announcement also revealed that women leaving abusive relationships would be given individual financial counsellors to help them get back on track. The government also said it would be providing $2.8 million over two years for local support services in each state and territory, including shelters and crisis help.The announcement also revealed that women leaving abusive relationships would be given individual financial counsellors to help them get back on track. The government also said it would be providing $2.8 million over two years for local support services in each state and territory, including shelters and crisis help.
Senator Ruston said with Sunday marking International Women’s Day, it was important for Australians to reflect on what they could to stop family violence.Senator Ruston said with Sunday marking International Women’s Day, it was important for Australians to reflect on what they could to stop family violence.
“We should be ashamed of ourselves in Australia that we have the kind of domestic violence perpetration that we’re seeing,” she told Sky News. “Until we change people’s behaviour, we’re just going to be responding to domestic violence and we have to start preventing it.”“We should be ashamed of ourselves in Australia that we have the kind of domestic violence perpetration that we’re seeing,” she told Sky News. “Until we change people’s behaviour, we’re just going to be responding to domestic violence and we have to start preventing it.”
Paris, FranceParis, France
Members of the women’s movement FEMEN have staged a protest on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, calling for an end to patriarchy.Members of the women’s movement FEMEN have staged a protest on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, calling for an end to patriarchy.
The demonstration appears to reference the current outbreak of coronavirus, with some placards saying “stop the patriarchal virus” and “stop the patriarchal pandemic”. Whilst topless, the activists’ outfits resemble hazmat suits.The demonstration appears to reference the current outbreak of coronavirus, with some placards saying “stop the patriarchal virus” and “stop the patriarchal pandemic”. Whilst topless, the activists’ outfits resemble hazmat suits.
RussiaRussia
The youth section of Russia’s ruling party, United Russia Young Guard, has organised marches marking IWD.The youth section of Russia’s ruling party, United Russia Young Guard, has organised marches marking IWD.
Want to celebrate IWD from the comfort of your sofa? My colleague Guy Lodge has compiled the best films to watch this IWD, celebrating the work of female directors.Want to celebrate IWD from the comfort of your sofa? My colleague Guy Lodge has compiled the best films to watch this IWD, celebrating the work of female directors.
Bishkek, KyrgyzstanBishkek, Kyrgyzstan
A demonstration on Victory Square in the capital of Bishkek has led to the arrest of several protesters from the women’s movement, FEMEN.A demonstration on Victory Square in the capital of Bishkek has led to the arrest of several protesters from the women’s movement, FEMEN.
FEMEN are known around the world for their protests, which are usually conducted topless by women with slogans written across their bodies.FEMEN are known around the world for their protests, which are usually conducted topless by women with slogans written across their bodies.
In 2015, studies showed that 11,800 women in Kyrgyzstan are kidnapped to be married, a process known as bride kidnapping, every year. One fifth of these are victims of violence including rape.In 2015, studies showed that 11,800 women in Kyrgyzstan are kidnapped to be married, a process known as bride kidnapping, every year. One fifth of these are victims of violence including rape.
You can read more about gender inequality and the fight against it in Kyrgyzstan and other former USSR countries in this article from Joanna Lillis, published on IWD five years ago.You can read more about gender inequality and the fight against it in Kyrgyzstan and other former USSR countries in this article from Joanna Lillis, published on IWD five years ago.
ChileChile
More than a million women in Chile are set to take to the streets today, as IWD demonstrations build on a wave of social unrest that took off in October last year.More than a million women in Chile are set to take to the streets today, as IWD demonstrations build on a wave of social unrest that took off in October last year.
The unrest began in response to rising metro fares, but has grown to address wider issues of social injustice, inequality and costs of living.The unrest began in response to rising metro fares, but has grown to address wider issues of social injustice, inequality and costs of living.
You can read more about the social movement erupting in Chile, and its impact on IWD, from my colleague Charis McGowan here:You can read more about the social movement erupting in Chile, and its impact on IWD, from my colleague Charis McGowan here:
Mexico City, MexicoMexico City, Mexico
Femicides in Mexico have more than doubled in the past five years, and this is set to be a theme of IWD events in the country. A march in Mexico’s capital is expected to bring record numbers of women on to the streets. They’re heading to the public square across from the national palace to call for an end to violence against women.Femicides in Mexico have more than doubled in the past five years, and this is set to be a theme of IWD events in the country. A march in Mexico’s capital is expected to bring record numbers of women on to the streets. They’re heading to the public square across from the national palace to call for an end to violence against women.
“I’m going to march for each and every woman in this country, for the dead and the living, for the victims of violence,” Carmen Rojas, 52, in Mexico City, told Reuters. “We have to raise our voices.”“I’m going to march for each and every woman in this country, for the dead and the living, for the victims of violence,” Carmen Rojas, 52, in Mexico City, told Reuters. “We have to raise our voices.”
Yesterday, on the eve of IWD, around 200 protesters made a “feminist chain” in Mexico City to protest against gender-based violence.Yesterday, on the eve of IWD, around 200 protesters made a “feminist chain” in Mexico City to protest against gender-based violence.
Hello, and welcome to the Guardian’s coverage of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020. We’ll be looking at the IWD events taking place around the world.Hello, and welcome to the Guardian’s coverage of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020. We’ll be looking at the IWD events taking place around the world.
If you’re celebrating, protesting, or hosting, let us know! You can tweet me @mollyblackall.If you’re celebrating, protesting, or hosting, let us know! You can tweet me @mollyblackall.
What is IWD?What is IWD?
According to the United Nations, who sponsor the event, IWD is “is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”According to the United Nations, who sponsor the event, IWD is “is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.”
IWD has taken place each year on March 8 since 1977, when the UN General Assembly invited member states to announce the day as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.IWD has taken place each year on March 8 since 1977, when the UN General Assembly invited member states to announce the day as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace.
This year’s theme is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing women’s rights”.This year’s theme is “I am Generation Equality: Realizing women’s rights”.
UN coverage of the day highlights the obstacles still faced by women around the world, reminding us that women earn 23% less than men globally, and make up just 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide.UN coverage of the day highlights the obstacles still faced by women around the world, reminding us that women earn 23% less than men globally, and make up just 24% of parliamentary seats worldwide.