BRUSSELS — Thousands of people are set to gather in Brussels on Saturday to celebrate International Women’s Day with a series of marches, workshops, and cultural events aimed at promoting gender equality and women’s rights.
The activities form part of the broader Women’s Rights Week, highlighting issues such as the gender pay gap, reproductive rights, and healthcare challenges faced by women.
One of the central events is the World March of Women, where activists will march through the streets of Brussels to advocate for women’s rights.
The procession is scheduled to begin at Place de l’Albertine at 15:00 and proceed to Place Poelaert before returning to the starting point for a concert at 16:30.
Amnesty International and other NGOs, including Abortion Right, will participate, calling for the total decriminalisation of abortion in Belgium and improved access to safe and legal abortion services.
Ahead of the march, a “feminist village” will be set up at Central Station from 11:00, featuring stands, workshops, performances, and live music.
Among the highlights is a flash mob scheduled from 13:30 to 14:00 outside the station, organized by a diverse group of women, activists, and artists.
Led by contemporary dancer Catarina Campo, the performance seeks to denounce violence against women and celebrate their resilience.
Health issues are also a focal point of this year’s events. The “Putting words to the ills of women’s health” workshop, led by non-profit Création d’un Monde, will take place from 10:00 to 12:00 at the Fuzuê Cultural Centre.
The French-language session aims to empower women by addressing personal experiences and providing information on their healthcare rights. Attendees can register via email or phone.
In the afternoon, a conference titled “Uterine fibroids, let’s break the taboos!” will be held at the Nelson Mandela Room of the Sleep Well Youth Hostel on Rue du Damier 23.
Organized by the non-profit Fibrom’Out, the session will address the physical, mental, and financial impacts of uterine fibroids, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding the condition. Entry costs €5.
Meanwhile, the theatre performance “What are you complaining about? – The violence of the Mediterranean syndrome” will be staged at Loft 58 at 16:00.
Presented by the ‘La Clef’ youth centre and the non-profit Ras-El-Hanout, the play critiques stereotypes in the healthcare sector, particularly the dismissal of symptoms reported by patients from Mediterranean backgrounds. No reservations are required for the performance.
Music enthusiasts can attend the final days of FEMINA JAZZ WEEK at The Music Village in Brussels, featuring performances by female jazz musicians.
Saturday’s lineup includes tributes to legendary composers such as Billie Holiday, while Sunday will showcase Adinda Hertmans’ all-female power band.
Additionally, the Design Museum Brussels is hosting “Untold Stories – Women Designers in Belgium” until 13 April.
The exhibition spotlights over 50 women designers from 1880 to 1980, displaying works that have rarely been shown to the public.
The collection includes pieces by pianist Maria Sèthe and typographer Hélène Denis-Bohy, addressing the ongoing challenges of visibility faced by women in design.
As Brussels embraces International Women’s Day, the diverse range of activities highlights the continued fight for gender equality and the contributions of women to various fields.
