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Women’s March Rallies Activists on International Women’s Day 2025
Across the U.S., Women’s March—a movement that emerged during Trump’s first presidency—has once again mobilized activists to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025. This year’s theme, “Unite and Resist,” focuses on building a strong community to challenge what many view as a growing authoritarian threat under Trump’s second term.
According to Rachel O’Leary Carmona, the executive director of Women’s March, the goal of these gatherings is to help people “build community” and “practice democracy.” She emphasizes the need for solidarity at a time when democratic resistance appears fragmented, especially among left-leaning movements.
The Challenge of Unity in a Divided Political Climate
Trump’s recent congressional address showcased this division within the opposition. Some Democratic congresswomen wore pink as a statement against Trump’s policies, others donned blue and yellow in solidarity with Ukraine, and some lawmakers even walked out in protest. Despite these different approaches, Carmona argues that the fight against what she calls “authoritarianism” must remain a unifying force.
“Just because different folks are building different things, does not mean that everyone is not running in the same direction,” Carmona says. “I think the country is fragmented across the board. Some people are focused on feminism, some are focused on immigration rights. But when people just say, ‘Oh, the left is fractured,’ I think that is how they stop people from building power.”
Women’s March: From Historic Protests to Present-Day Activism
Women’s March made history in 2017 when over 500,000 people marched in Washington, D.C., and more than 4 million joined worldwide in response to Trump’s first inauguration. The movement became a symbol of resistance, but today, it faces new challenges.
“We are eight years later. Two presidential terms later. We’re post-COVID, post-Jan. 6 [2021], post-Dobbs,” Carmona explains, referencing the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. “We have struggled to meet the moment, as so much of the moment has changed.”
Despite past internal struggles, including accusations of exclusion and anti-Semitism, Women’s March is working to rebuild its influence by prioritizing intersectionality and inclusivity. The 2025 International Women’s Day demonstrations aim to bring together activists from various backgrounds to reignite collective action.
New Voices Leading the Charge
The current wave of activism is seeing fresh faces step into leadership roles. Ashley Parys and Kailani Rodriguez are two young women who organized International Women’s Day 2025 events in their respective cities.
Parys, who organized in the Boston area, describes her journey from a “baby activist” to someone deeply committed to the cause. The Boston Women’s March action page received nearly 1,500 RSVPs, with participants reaching out to confirm attendance in large numbers.
Rodriguez, just 19 years old, organized a Women’s March event in her small town of Port Angeles, Washington. Initially planning to attend an event in Seattle, she realized the need for a local action. With only a few days of preparation, her efforts drew hundreds of messages from people eager to participate.
“I wasn’t expecting this to happen. I wasn’t expecting to be the one in charge of it… it just fell into my lap,” Rodriguez shares, emphasizing the support she has received from older generations.
Strengthening Community for Future Challenges
For Carmona, the significance of International Women’s Day 2025 extends beyond a single day of activism. It represents an opportunity to build lasting relationships and prepare for future struggles.
“What we’re trying to do is help folks build community. Give folks a chance to organize something in their communities at a time that’s not a trigger moment,” she explains. “We want to build relationships now so that when the time comes, we’re able to be with each other in principled struggle.”
As Women’s March and other feminist organizations adapt to the evolving political landscape, their renewed commitment to unity will be crucial in shaping resistance efforts under Trump’s second term. Through grassroots activism and solidarity, they aim to empower people to stand together in the face of adversity.