Marking the International Women’s Day with our friends from Gaza

05 Mar Marking the International Women’s Day with our friends from Gaza

For the first time, our three friends from Gaza will join us at this year’s March 8 march. They are members of a fourteen-member extended family that we rescued from Gaza at the end of last year and have since then put continuous intensive efforts to provide them with the basic conditions for life in Belgrade, with the help of our fellow citizens. Since October last year, Dina, Rana and Ines have faced not only the terrible consequences of continuous shelling, huge losses in human lives, fear and pain, but, like many citizens of our country, also the loss of their jobs as well as the violation of basic human and international rights and conventions.

“As Palestinian women, we stand resilient at the forefront of adversity, balancing the weight of our labor with the burden of conflict. Our voices echo the struggles of our sisters worldwide, advocating for equality, safety, and justice in every step we take. Together, we affirm: Always first at the front line.” This is only one part of the statement prepared by our new fellow citizens, which we will have the opportunity to hear in its entirety on Friday, March 8, 2024, on the streets of Belgrade, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., during the March 8 protest march for women’s labour rights under the title ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE, organized by the Informal Network of Feminist and Women’s Groups and Independent Activists. The gathering begins on March 8 at 5:30 pm on Slavija Square. The march and the accompanying program begin at 6 p.m. at Slavija Square, continue at Republic Square, and end at “Prostor Miljenko Dereta” in Dorćol.

We, the women of Serbia, faced with a serious crisis in our country, where the institutions are captured, and the government produces violence every day, on March 8, 2024, we resolutely and solidary stand together to defend the won rights, to continue the fight for full equality and to take the front line in the conquest for freedom.

We repeat our demands loud and clear:

For dignified work and a living wage – in the wake of the economic crisis, inflation and corruption;
For the defense of women’s political rights while we are in a crisis of democracy;
For safe childbirth and reproductive rights as we hear about the prevalence of obstetric violence;
Against systemic violence in society in an epidemic of general violence;
For freedom of thought, speech and assembly during the persecution of female activists, journalists, and politicians;
For institutions in the service of women citizens against captured party institutions;
For a sustainable future and environmental justice – In times of global conflict, we stand for an end to hostilities and justice for all victims. We stand with women, indigenous peoples and migrants who are most affected by environmental injustice.

With this march, we confirm that we remain united and brave in our resistance. After many years and many requests to the state, this March 8 we are addressing only citizens and inviting everyone to stand up in defense of their own rights!

Activists, progressive, left, green and solidary politicians, workers, trade unionists, journalists, all free people, solidarity is more important than ever! Only together can we oppose the capitalist state and defend our rights! Let’s all stand on the front line!