Thousands join rally for economic, social justice on International Women’s Day

Thousands of Filipino women took to the streets on Saturday to mark International Working Women’s Day, calling attention to pressing economic and political issues in the country. 

The rally, led by the Gabriela Women’s Party, underscored the historical significance of March 8, recognizing it as a day of struggle for working women worldwide. 

They drew parallels between past labor movements and the ongoing plight of Filipino women who continue to battle for fair wages, labor rights, and freedom from state repression.

“The economic crisis continues to hit women the hardest, with soaring prices of rice, vegetables, and other essential goods making it increasingly difficult for women to put food on the table,” the group said.

Protesters then urged the Marcos administration to focus on policies that directly lower the cost of necessities rather than merely reporting slowed inflation rates.

Gabriela also called on women across the country to unite against what they described as “anti-worker policies, economic hardship, and state violence.” —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News