Feminist Groups in Mérida Announce March 8 International Women’s Day Rally

Mérida, Yucatán — Feminist collectives and independent activists in Yucatán have called for a march to commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, describing the movement as an anti-imperialist feminist action. This year’s rally carries the slogan: “Neither the land nor women are territory for conquest.”

The gathering is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 5:00 p.m. at Parque de La Mejorada. Participants will then march to the Monumento a la Patria.

Organizers read a statement explaining that the march aims to raise voices to demand rights such as equitable working conditions, recognition of care work, proper classification of femicide and transfemicide, and attention to the impacts of gentrification.

“Gentrification in the city has increased rental costs, while Yucatán remains one of the states with the lowest wages, making it impossible for us locals to live within the city to access our jobs,” they stated in their position. “This also reduces time for care and family interaction, as transportation in some cases takes hours, since the lowest rents are on the city’s periphery. Let’s also consider that with the salary of any working-class person, they could not afford a full dinner at any of the restaurants that now adorn the city center.”

Precisely due to this stance in favor of territorial defense, activists called on women from communities that have been “victims of real estate mafias, megaprojects, and industries in complicity with the State” to join the mobilization.

“Walk in front of us to listen to you and join your struggle and resistance that you have sustained for centuries,” they added.

Representatives from groups including We Are Woman On Fire, Ruedas de Mujeres, Red de Acompañamiento, Violetas Rebeldes, and Comando Trans, among others, demanded that the government guarantee the peaceful march proceeds without repression and with respect for the legitimate right to protest.

Organizers assured that the contingent will not advance toward the Government Palace or Municipal Palace because the intention is not to affect the working class of the city center’s businesses.