Many voices, one fight: International Women’s Day march in Galway

By Marcela Villagómez

Women from different countries and backgrounds marched through Galway on 8 March, sharing stories of violence, migration, family and resistance while calling for equality worldwide

To mark International Women’s Day, dozens gathered at Eyre Square with a march through the city centre that ended at Spanish Arch.

Organised by Galway Feminist Café, the demonstration brought together women and allies from diverse countries, backgrounds, and generations. Marchers filled the streets with chants such as “Justice for the victims,” “Women’s rights, migrants’ rights, same struggle, same fight,” and “Survivors first, not the elite.”

The march took place to place as investigations continue into allegations of sex trafficking crimes committed by American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

From local families, migrants living in Ireland and international students, each participant carried a different story. What united them was a shared demand for dignity, equality and safety for women everywhere.

A space to speak out

Attending a march like this can feel emotionally intense. In just a few hours, conversations move from personal experiences to global crises affecting women.

Protests create spaces where anger, grief and frustration can be expressed openly, but they are also places where solidarity is built and voices become visible.

Speeches took place at both the beginning and the end of the march, followed by an open microphone session at Spanish Arch where participants were invited to share their thoughts.

One speaker addressed the broader global context of gender inequality.

“We live in a world where powerful men and systems continue to act without consequences. Survivors are still doubted and wealth and power are often protected over justice,” she said.

Global struggles, shared concerns

International conflicts and violence against women were referenced during the event.

One woman who asked to remain anonymous attended the march to speak about global solidarity with women affected by violence and war.

“I don’t want more women being targeted, more children harmed and more schools attacked. Governments need to stand up for women everywhere, because if we ignore these injustices it could happen anywhere,” an Iranian participant said.

During classes at Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ Elementary School in Iran at the end of February, more than 100 girls were killed in an air strike. The US is investigating how this attack happened as the US and Israel began their most recent operation against Iran.

At the Spanish Arch, a small memorial honoured the girls who lost their lives. Flowers and stuffed animals created a tribute filled with the colours and playfulness that their young lives deserved.

The memorial served as a reminder that while marches can feel symbolic, they are often shaped by very real tragedies affecting women and girls across the world.

Women’s rights closer to home

Speakers also highlighted issues affecting women in Ireland.

Concerns were raised about the treatment of sexual assault survivors in the legal system and the long waiting times many women face when seeking diagnoses for conditions such as endometriosis. Delays can last up to nine years, often leading to prolonged pain and complications.

Housing inequality was another issue discussed, particularly affecting migrants and international students. A report from the Irish Council for International Students found that some of them have experienced coercive situations with landlords, including pressure to exchange sexual acts for rent.

Among the speakers was Ms McLaughlin, an Irish mother who attended the march with her children.

“We came here today to talk about the violence that happened in Iran last weekend. These things are not separate issues. When systems harm women and children, everyone in society is affected,” Ms McLaughlin said.

Holding her baby while addressing the crowd, she also spoke about the importance of family and community even in difficult times.

“Life continues after the march. I’ll go home to my family and take care of my children, but speaking up together is how change begins,” Ms McLaughlin said.

Protecting girls remains crucial: nearly 3 in 10 adults in Ireland experienced sexual violence as children, according to the 2023 CSO survey. “Violence still shapes women’s and girls’ lives. When survivors speak out, only around 7% of cases reach court, even though 70% of perpetrators are known to the victim,” a speaker said, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

Migrant voices in Galway

The march also reflected the diversity of Galway’s population.

Ana Paula, originally from Chile, said she has attended International Women’s Day demonstrations in her home country and wanted to continue participating while living abroad.

“I left my family and my comfort to come here chasing opportunities, but everything depends on the language you speak and the opportunities available,” Ana Paula said.

She explained that learning English in Ireland can be expensive and that visas limiting work to 20 hours per week can make it difficult for migrants to support themselves.

“Sometimes the dream becomes part of the system’s demands,” she said.

Among other participants was Alicia, a Mexican student pursuing a master’s degree at Atlantic Technological University.

She created her own banner featuring a collage about anti-colonialism and global justice.

“Feminism must not be whitened. We can’t forget that women’s experiences are different depending on where they come from and intersectionality matters. It’s not just patriarchy we need to fight, it’s also colonialism of the bodies and territories,” she said.

In México, gender-based violence remains a major concern. Official figures record more than 6,400 femicides between 2019 and early 2026.

For many activists, recognising these realities is essential to building a feminism that includes women from all backgrounds.

Beyond one day of protest

The organisers of the march, Silvia and Miriam, originally from Spain, founded the Galway Feminist Café after moving to Galway.

Inspired by a similar initiative in Granada, they created the group in 2025 to encourage discussion and community-building around feminist issues.

“Seeing all the people who showed up today makes us very happy,” the organisers said.

The organisation hosts monthly meetings at Teach Solais LGBT+ Centre where participants discuss feminism, social justice and intersectionality while creating a space for open dialogue and artistic expression.

As the crowd slowly dispersed along the river, one message remained clear: the fight for women’s rights is alive, and there is still much work to be done.