Introduction

Every year, 8 March International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality, social justice, and human rights. Across the world, people take to the streets to raise their voices, celebrate progress, and demand change where it is still urgently needed. In Brussels, this day once again brought together a diverse and determined crowd united by a shared commitment to equality and solidarity.

This year’s march was not only a moment of collective action but also an opportunity for organizations, activists, and community members to connect, exchange, and amplify their messages. We were proud to be part of this important mobilization, both through our presence in the march and through hosting a stand that allowed for meaningful engagement with participants.

Overview of the Event in Brussels

The 8 March march in Brussels gathered thousands of participants from a wide range of backgrounds, organizations, and movements. The streets were filled with energy, color, and determination, as banners, chants, and performances created a vibrant and impactful atmosphere.

The march route took participants through key areas of the city, transforming public space into a platform for expression and resistance. From grassroots collectives to established organizations, the diversity of voices present reflected the broad scope of issues connected to gender equality today—ranging from labor rights and migration to climate justice and anti-discrimination.

Throughout the day, the sense of solidarity was palpable. Participants not only marched alongside one another but also engaged in conversations, shared experiences, and built connections that extended beyond the event itself.

Our Participation

As part of the event, we set up a stand that served as a welcoming and interactive space for attendees. This year, we placed a special focus on creativity and cultural expression as a way to engage participants.

At our stand, we:

• Offered face painting, creating a playful and expressive space that attracted participants of all ages
• Created banners using traditional Turkish handwriting, which sparked curiosity and meaningful conversations about cultural heritage and artistic expression
• Presented our mission and ongoing initiatives
• Shared informational materials and resources
• Engaged in conversations around key campaign themes, including “My Voice, My Choice”

The face painting element brought a vibrant and joyful dynamic to the stand, while the banner-making activity allowed people to actively contribute to the visual presence of the march. Many visitors were particularly interested in the traditional Turkish script, which opened up discussions not only about art, but also about identity, history, and storytelling.

One of the most valuable aspects of the stand was the direct interaction with people. Many visitors expressed curiosity, shared personal stories, or asked how they could get involved. The “My Voice, My Choice” message resonated strongly, encouraging participants to reflect on autonomy, rights, and the importance of being heard.

These exchanges reinforced the importance of creating accessible and engaging spaces for dialogue, awareness, and participation.

Our Presence in the March

In addition to hosting the stand, we actively took part in the march itself. Walking alongside thousands of others, we joined in chants, carried banners—including those created at our stand—and contributed to the collective energy of the demonstration.

Our presence in the march was an opportunity to visibly stand for the values we promote and to align ourselves with the broader movement. Being part of such a large and diverse mobilization reinforced the strength that comes from collective action.

Key Themes, Messages, and Observations

Several key themes emerged strongly throughout the day:

Intersectionality: Many participants emphasized the importance of addressing overlapping forms of discrimination and inequality.

• Bodily autonomy and voice: The message “My Voice, My Choice” was present across the march, highlighting the continued importance of self-determination and rights.
• Solidarity across movements: Connections between gender justice, social justice, and other global issues were clearly highlighted.
• Urgency for change: The messages conveyed reflected both frustration with ongoing inequalities and determination to push for meaningful progress.

The creativity displayed through signs, performances, and slogans added depth and emotion to these messages. From powerful statements to moments of humor and art, participants found diverse ways to express their perspectives and demands.

General Atmosphere and Turnout

The atmosphere of the event was both energizing and reflective. While the march carried a strong sense of urgency and determination, it was also marked by moments of joy, creativity, and connection, many of which were reflected in the activities at our stand.

The turnout was impressive, demonstrating once again the relevance and importance of International Women’s Day as a moment of mobilization. The diversity of participants, across ages, backgrounds, and experiences, highlighted the broad support for the issues being raised.

Importantly, the event created a space where people felt encouraged to participate, express themselves, and engage with others. This sense of openness contributed significantly to the overall impact of the day.

Conclusion 

Participating in the 8 March march in Brussels was both inspiring and grounding. It served as a reminder that while significant challenges remain, there is also a strong and growing community committed to addressing them.

Our stand—through face painting, banner creation in traditional Turkish handwriting, and conversations around “My Voice, My Choice”. This allowed us to connect with participants in meaningful and creative ways. These interactions reaffirm the importance of visibility, dialogue, and cultural expression in advancing our mission.

Moving forward, we carry with us the energy, insights, and connections from this day. Events like these not only raise awareness but also strengthen the networks and collaborations needed to drive lasting change.

We would like to thank everyone who visited our stand, marched alongside us, and contributed to making this day meaningful. Together, we continue the work toward a more just and equitable society.