Mass March in Montreal on International Women’s Day

Yesterday in Montreal a large march brought thousands of participants into the streets to mark International Women’s Day. Demonstrators mobilized against patriarchy, capitalism, and imperialist wars while also defending the rights of women, migrants, and refugees.

The march moved through the streets of the city carrying clear slogans against an economic system built on the exploitation of women workers and migrants. Participants also expressed solidarity with the peoples of Iran and Gaza and denounced the blockade imposed on Cuba and Venezuela.

The event was organized by Femmes de diverses origines, a grassroots feminist network that describes itself as anti-imperialist and committed to social justice and the rights of women and migrants.

Migrant women’s voices at the center of the struggle

The Women’s Committee of the Immigrant Workers Center took part in the march, stressing that the struggle of women cannot be separated from the struggle of workers and migrants.

In a statement released on the occasion, the committee said

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the CTTI Women’s Committee expresses its solidarity with all women and their struggles.

The statement highlighted that migrant women and undocumented women face multiple forms of exploitation and violence due to laws and policies that tie immigration status to employment and restrict access to essential services.

Demands for justice and dignity

The Women’s Committee stated that it is time to say “enough” and put forward several urgent demands

full access to free public healthcare, including emergency care
open work permits
access to the Quebec Pension Plan the federal pension plan and employment insurance
the implementation of a regularization program
the recognition of the social realities of undocumented women in municipal, provincial, and federal public policies
an immediate end to the detention and deportation of migrants

Participants emphasized that International Women’s Day is not only symbolic but also a moment for struggle and organization.