My Journey of 8M: Advocating for Women’s Rights

The story of International Women’s Day (IWD), began in the early 1990s. During this time, women started advocating for equal rights. The achievements we celebrate today did not happen overnight; they are the result of a long and continuous struggle.

This video, taken from the International Women’s Day website explains  the history in more in detail. Watch it!

My IWD/8M Journey

Nicaragua

I don’t recall the first time I attended a demonstration on the 8M. However, I know it was over fifteen years ago. My involvement as an activist and feminist began on the Northern Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua with the Nidia White Women’s Movement. This organisation works to protect the human rights of Afro-descendant and Indigenous women and girls. It also works to promote their rights in the Caribbean (UNFPA website).

My first contact with the movement was when I attended a typewriting course. Over time, I became involved in the fight for women’s equal rights. Eventually, I helped at La Esperanza shelter, wrote articles about the movement’s work, and participated in events related to 8M.

After graduating from university, I stated working for the organization Puntos de Encuentro, which “promotes and ensures the autonomy, participation, equality, and decision-making power of women and young people in all spheres of life” (Puntos de Encuentro website). At this point, I have learned much more about women’s and girls’ rights. I attended many demonstrations, stand up, and participated in events to amplify the voices of women and girls.

Additionally, I worked with the Red de Mujeres Caribeñas, Latinoamericanas y de la Diáspora. I was also actively involved in 8M events there.

My last participation in an 8M demonstration in Nicaragua was in 2016. It was a hot day, but I still joined the march. We shouted slogans, carried banners and signs, and wore purple T-shirts. The plan was to end the demonstration in front of the Electoral Council building. However, the police repressed us before we reached it. This did not stop us. We staged a peaceful stand at the police barrier—a risky action, but also a powerful statement of defiance against the patriarchal system.

Photos: Julie Schoell

Finland

Years later, I moved to Finland, where I currently live. I founded Otroas Feminismoas with Latin American feminists Roxana Crisólogo Correa, Rosamaria Bolom, Nieves Vuoristo, and Violeta Guzmán. It was originally named Red de Mujeres Latinas en Finlandia. It is a Latin American intersectional feminist community that fights against the patriarchal system. Our work combines different feminist perspectives. We use collective practices, such as acuerpamiento and buen vivir, to heal both body and mind.

Since founding this community, we have organized and participated in 8M demonstrations and events every year. In 2019, we marched despite heavy rain and strong winds. Nothing stopped us from expressing solidarity with women in Latin America. We also made our voices heard as immigrant women in Finland.

Photos: Rosamaria Bolom/Otroas Feminismoas

In 2020, I was one of the organizers, along with my colleagues, for the 8M event in Helsinki. It took place just before the COVID-19 lock down. We performed the Chilean feminist piece Un violador en tu camino at Senate Square, in front of Helsinki Cathedral. We did this performance in both Spanish and Finnish. We has speeches and then marched through the city center. This was a particularly memorable 8M for me because we gained recognition from other feminist groups in Helsinki and received media coverage. On a personal level, it reinforced my commitment to the fight for women’s rights.

Photos: Rosamaria Bolom/Otroas Feminismoas

These have been two of the biggest demonstrations we have co-organized in Helsinki. Without fear, we took to the streets to raise our voices as women, immigrants, and feminists.

8M 2025

For this upcoming 8M in 2025, I will be part of the immigrant bloc. The demonstration in Senate Square, Helsinki. I know that my voice and commitment to this fight will contribute to future achievements.

We still have a long marathon ahead. But I believe we must run it with wisdom, love, tenderness, and care. Madness and hate will not take us to the finish line. Get involved in your women’s community, groups, or sisterhood!

Are you participating in any demonstration this 8M?