The “8M March” marking International Women’s Day will take place in downtown San José on Sunday, March 8, as participants call for gender equality and an end to violence against women.

March 8 marks the annual observance of International Women’s Day, a global event that honors women’s achievements, raises awareness about gender inequality and promotes support for women worldwide.

The demonstration, organized by various feminist groups, is expected to attract thousands of participants. It will begin at 10 a.m. at San José’s Central Park, where participants will gather before marching toward the Democracy Park, located next to the Congress building.

Traffic authorities have advised drivers to avoid downtown San José during the march. Officers will be stationed along Central and Second avenues to redirect traffic.

Organizers say the march will take place under the motto, “We are not taking a single step back. We continue to fight against gender-based violence and the decline of our rights.” The event aims to highlight the importance of respecting human rights and defending regulations that allow therapeutic abortion.

Organizers also expressed solidarity with marginalized groups, stating: “We protest for the dignity of women with disabilities, Indigenous women, Afro-descendants, lesbians, bisexuals, queer women, environmental defenders, sex workers, women in precarious work conditions, mothers, girls, trans and nonbinary people.”

Groups leading the march include "Ni Una Menos," the Federation of Students of the University of Costa Rica, the Frente Feminista de Costa Rica and the National Women’s Institute of Costa Rica, among others.

UN Women is commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day under the theme “Equal rights. Equal opportunities. Equal power.”

The organization emphasized the need for solutions that empower women to address global crises such as geopolitical conflicts, rising poverty and climate change.

“By investing in women, we can spark change and accelerate the transition to a healthier, safer and more equal world for all,” the organization said.

According to the United Nations, an additional $360 billion annually is required to achieve gender equality. Closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by 20%, while expanding decent work opportunities could generate nearly 300 million jobs worldwide by 2035.