International Women’s Day Rallies Across South America Focus on Femicide, Austerity, and Funding

Monday, March 9th 2026 – 10:56 UTC

International Women’s Day rallies held across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay this weekend highlighted a shared agenda for the Southern Cone: opposition to gender-based violence, demands for sustained public policies, and concerns about the impact of economic strain and state cutbacks on women’s lives. Protests centered on rising femicide in Brazil, a strike-backed protest against austerity measures in Argentina, and demands for increased funding to enforce gender-violence laws in Uruguay.

Brazil: Demands to “Stop Killing Us”

Thousands of women marched in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and other Brazilian cities, chanting “Stop killing us.” Demonstrations were fueled by outrage over an alleged gang rape case in Copacabana and the broader issue of increasing violence against women, according to the Associated Press. Demonstrators also called for expanded abortion rights and improvements in working conditions.

Argentina: Protest Against Austerity Measures

In Argentina, the main protest shifted to Monday, March 9th, aligning with a operate stoppage. The Buenos Aires march was organized by Ni Una Menos, union federations including the CGT and CTA, and the National Campaign for Legal, Safe and Free Abortion. The rally protested gender violence, labor precarity, and the dismantling of gender policies under President Javier Milei’s government.

Uruguay: Calls for Increased Funding and Attention to Vicarious Violence

In Montevideo, thousands marched along 18 de Julio Avenue, demanding justice for victims of femicide and rape, the safe return of missing persons, and the dismantling of gender stereotypes. Uruguayan media reported calls for a “fair budget” for the comprehensive law against gender-based violence, whose full implementation is hindered by funding shortages. Demands also focused on vicarious violence, an issue gaining increased public attention in Uruguay since 2025.

Chile: Concerns Over Presidential Transition

The Women’s Day march in Santiago was shaped by the upcoming presidential handover. Approximately 40,000 people, according to Carabineros estimates, gathered in Plaza Italia under the slogan “not one step back, a hundred steps forward.” Organized by the 8M Feminist Coordinator, the rally expressed concern over the incoming administration of Jose Antonio Kast, who will succeed Gabriel Boric on Wednesday.