Brazil: International Women’s Day rallies March 8

Event

Marches and demonstrations will take place in cities throughout Brazil on Thursday, March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Some estimates indicate that millions of people could take part nationwide. In Rio de Janeiro, demonstrators will gather beginning at 16:00 (local time) in the Candelária area. In São Paulo, where teachers and students are expected to be on strike all day, demonstrators will gather at Praça Oswaldo Cruz, also beginning at 16:00. An increased security presence is to be anticipated in the vicinity of protests, along with traffic disruptions.

Context

Numerous causes will be championed during Thursday’s demonstrations, including ending gender-based and domestic violence, legalizing abortion, pay equality, agrarian reform, pro-democracy measures, and anti-racism initiatives. In Brazil, a woman is murdered every two hours on average; the country is ranked seventh out of 83 countries with the highest levels of violence against women.

Advice

Individuals are advised to avoid demonstrations as a precaution and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.