Every March 8,  marks the annual observance of IWD, a global event to honor women's achievements, raise awareness about gender inequality and promote support for women worldwide.

The demonstration, organized by various feminist groups, is expected to attract thousands of participants and will begin at 1 p.m. in San José's Central Park. From there, the marchers will proceed toward the National Congress building.

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

With the rallying motto “We are not taking a single step back. We continue to fight against gender-based violence and the decline of our rights,” the march aims to highlight the importance of respecting human rights and defending the regulations of 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 non-binary people.”


Leading the march are organizations such as Not One Less, the Federation of Students from Costa Rica’s Universities, the Costa Rica Feminist Front and the National Women’s Institute, among others.


The United Nations Women’s organization commemorates this year's event 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."


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

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