The Gabriela Alliance of Filipino Women (Gabriela) and other women-led organizations gathered in protests at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Liwasang Bonifacio, and finally, the Mendiola Peace Arch on Wednesday, March 8, in commemoration of International Women’s Day. 

Along the streets of Intramuros, thousands of Filipinos marched for their protests to be heard, calling out issues of unequal compensation, education, and violation of rights that persist in our country. Several women-led organizations kicked off the event with a dialogue from each of their leaders at DOLE, with each individual holding out a protest for their highlighted issues and demands.

Onto the next venue, women leaders took to the streets to spearhead the movement and deliver inspirational messages on the podium at Liwasang Bonifacio. A diverse crowd was gathered at the event, with different speakers and performers expressing their demands and injustice through speeches and other creative forms like songs, poetry, and other performances.

Coinciding with the previously ongoing transportation strike, the rally also protested the jeepney phase-out and modernization plan of the government as they were joined by jeepney drivers and operators who declared their support for International Working Women’s Day. 

Capping off the event, the protesters marched to Mendiola Arch to conclude the rally with a final message to the administration. Despite interruptions from police officials blocking their way, they successfully reached their destination and ended with a bang, as the women leaders slammed hammers into the effigy of Marcos Jr–a conclusive demonstration of defiance.