One fights against patriarchy, the other wants attention to the rights of Kurdish women

« My Pussy is a done bar shit, » artist and activist Naomie Pieter shouts from the stage. Opened bol.com boxes serve as demonstration boards with slogans including 'Smash the patriarchy« And » even my dog ​​understands when I say no.  »

The Dam in Amsterdam is full, so full that the 15,000 protesters have to move to the adjacent Rokin and Damrak. For more than a century, March 8 has been dominated by International Women's Day. In Amsterdam this will be celebrated this Saturday with the Feminist March.

Last year the Mars did not take place, according to a statement issued at the time due to concerns about the safety of the Palestinian block that would be paramount during the demonstration, but also for disagreement within the organization. That was, among other things, about which themes should be addressed at the March. For example, had to pay attention to war zones in the protests, or would that be a focus on feminism?

This year the Mars is being organized by a new group. There is no fixed theme – everyone who stands for equality is welcome. Devika Partiman (37) explains: « In this way, anyone who is a feminist can feel called to come. » And so one feminist holds a cardboard Palestinian flag with 'No feminism without the Women in Gaza'And the other rolls with her eyes when there is loud « Free Palestine'Sounds over the square.

The 68-year-old Inge Buvelot is here to protect the rights what they once for moisture: equal rights and access to contraception. She finds the plates of similarly with cries about vaginas going a bit far. Theater program maker Kerensa van der Sluijs is present for the first time because she feels that the acquired abortion right for women are no longer self-evident.

Fatos (55) of the Kurdish women's movement that does not want to share her last name has come for another reason. She believes that Europe no longer protects ideals such as freedom and equality since it did not do enough for the Kurds in Syria during the war. « The Kurds were already there, and the Kurdish women were hit twice as hard, » she says.

Common denominators

Despite all the mutual differences, it is all about connection on Saturday. In their opening speeches, the speakers emphasize what the movement unites: the right to physical self -determination and good care, whether it concerns trans people, people with a migration background or those who want to break down a pregnancy.

Protesters express their concern about what is currently happening in the US, where rights for transgender people and for women who want abortion are becoming increasingly limited. Like this the Trump government stopped on March 5 A lawsuit that had started his predecessor Biden to prevent the US state of Idaho from maintaining an abortion ban in situations where the mother is in danger.

In the Netherlands, the thresholds for abortion care have been reduced in recent years. Since the beginning of 2023, the mandatory cooling -off period of five days before an abortion has expired, and since 1 January the abortion pill may be used more spacious. Also Opened Erasmus UMC This week ago a specialized outpatient clinic for research into the women's body and associated health ailments.

But according to organizer Partiman, that does not mean that a feminist opposition in the Netherlands becomes superfluous. « It is much more sexual here than in America, » she says. Partiman is referring to the willingness of the coalition to work with conservative-Christian parties, such as the SGP. « It only has three seats in the Lower House, but that occasionally helps the coalition to just enough support in the Lower and Senate. And, yes, in exchange for their support, they have a listening ear with the ruling parties.  »

Last week the SGP already achieved success, says Partiman. The House of Representatives adopted a motion in which it is called upon to conduct an investigation into the effects of abolishing the mandatory five -day cooling -off period. Another motion, which abortion doctors would oblige to register the motivation of patients before the procedure, did not make it, but received support from the BBB coalition party.

Enough reason that, in the words of activist Pieter on stage, « everything burning anger from her cat » should be involved? In any case, vigilance remains offered, says Partiman.

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