Mexican women demand justice in massive International Women's Day protests

Thousands of women took to the streets across Mexico on International Women's Day to protest against femicides, gender-based violence, and sexual abuse. In Cuernavaca, Morelos, demonstrators marched in memory of two recently killed UAEM students, Kimberly and Karol, while calling for justice and systemic change.

The protest in Cuernavaca began at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM) and moved towards the Tlaltenango roundabout. Along the way, marchers were joined by families of the disappeared and students from across the state. Their demands centred on respect for women's bodies, reproductive rights, and an end to impunity for femicide.

At the rally, demonstrators directed anger at state institutions, accusing the legislature and judiciary of failing victims by delaying justice. Slogans also targeted UAEM's rector, Viridiana León Hernández, with protesters condemning her for alleged negligence in addressing campus insecurity.

The march was part of a broader wave of protests across Mexico, where women have spent years fighting for stronger protections against violence. While exact numbers of participating groups remain unclear, the demonstrations reflected widespread frustration with systemic failures to prevent and punish crimes against women.

The protests ended with renewed calls for accountability and policy reforms. Families of victims, students, and activists united in demanding faster legal action and safer conditions for women. The demonstrations highlighted ongoing struggles for justice in cases of femicide and gender-based violence.