Long live International Women’s Day!!!

12 Mar Long live International Women’s Day!!!

Within the informal network of feminist and women’s groups and independent activists, we organized this year’s International Women’s Day protest march for women’s labor rights under the title “ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE.” We, the women of Serbia, faced with a serious crisis in our country, where institutions are captured, and the government produces violence on a daily basis, stood together decisively and in solidarity on Friday, March 8, defending the rights we have gained, continuing the fight for full equality, and taking the front line in the pursuit of freedom. Our International Women’s Day march this year started with a performance by the Horchestra and the song “MARCH EIGHT.” After the song and applause from the audience, Iva Parađanin opened the program, wishing for us to be EVEN LOUDER and EVEN MORE SOLIDARY. “I want our voices to be heard by women from all over Serbia… I want our voices to reach all our comrades and allies from the region, who are marching in their cities today. I want our voices to reach all female workers in factory halls. All office workers. In kitchens, bakeries, and fast-food stores. In kiosks, at counters, in the field, on the farm, in hospitals, and classrooms… to all female workers in all fields… All women whose work is underpaid… or unpaid!”

Before the march itself, we heard statements from speakers:

Student Isidora Sekeša and former member of the McDonald’s workers’ union said: Young female workers who want to maintain their funding status from the budget during their studies, family pension, or any social benefits cannot officially enter into employment. That’s why most choose to work through youth cooperatives or occasional work contracts. This means that young women, members of youth cooperatives, who make up the majority of the workforce in the fast-food sector, are even more susceptible to exploitation than colleagues who, although in an unfavorable position, are still recognized by the law.

She added: In addition, we do not have the right to sick leave, so in case you are incapacitated for work for a shorter or longer period due to health problems, the security and livelihood are endangered – she concluded and called for unity and the formation of a fast-food workers’ union.

Lana Nikolić: These are women who go from therapy to work. These are women whose lives cost twice as much. These are women who need our support and deserve support. And these are women that the system has let down – she said, but emphasized that if the system has let them down, they will not let each other down.

Romani woman Tanja Grgić: I am an equal citizen of this country. It’s high time they stop asking one Tanja, Sanja, Saima, and Janica if they are literate, if they know how to sign. It’s high time they stop asking one Katarina and Marina why they are studying and not married. It offends and humiliates us – she said and asked why everything bad is compared to Roma. She added that they want to fight for the young generations of Romani women and called on all women to stand tall and fight for their rights.

The last speaker of the introductory program of the march was Milena Berić from KROKODIL, who that evening gave a voice to the Palestinians Rana, Dania, and Enas, our new fellow citizens, who live in Belgrade today with their extended family, and whom we, together with the citizens of Serbia, help in peaceful integration.

“We, Palestinian women, regardless of all the troubles, stand firmly on the front line, balancing the weight of our work obligations with the burden of conflict. Our sisters’ struggles echo like a chorus around the world as we advocate for equality, safety, and justice at every step. Together, we affirm: Always on the front line.” is just a part of the letter from the Palestinians.

During the march, the Zrenjanin Social Forum with a group of young activists held a flash mob action – entering fast-food establishments and mobilizing workers to join the hospitality workers’ union, which was very successful. They visited 44 establishments, collected about ten contacts of interested workers who are interested in the possibility of union organizing.

The “ALWAYS ON THE FRONT LINE” march is a true manifestation of strong solidarity among women and support for groups and individuals who share the same values. Unity becomes a key element in facing the challenges of violence and undemocratic pressures.

By setting clear demands, such as dignified work, political rights, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence, women have focused attention on key issues that require urgent resolution. This march is not just a manifestation of dissatisfaction; it is a powerful call to action and change, emphasizing the need for a responsible approach to social challenges.

WE DON’T HAVE A STATE, BUT WE HAVE EACH OTHER. See you next year!