“We don’t want flowers, we want safety” – these and other slogans were agreed upon by both women and many men participating at the women’s solidarity march organized by the association “Centrs Marta” on March 8th in Rīga.

They emphasized that women’s rights to be fully equal to men’s and that protection from violence remains a pressing issue.

“We must always be vigilant about what has been achieved and protect what we have. Of course, we must work to have more. And indeed, so that in every area of ​​life we ​​feel complete as people,”  said Iluta Lāce, a board member of the “Centrs Marta” charity, which helps victims of domestic violence as one of its main activities.

For several years now, on March 8th – international women’s day – “Centrs Marta” has been gathering women and men in a solidarity march advocating for equality and violence-free families.

March participant Mārtiņš Spektors has spoken out against domestic violence before: “We just saw in the fall that not only is everything still not in order, but it is still very far from being in order. The Istanbul Convention can suddenly become such a throwaway thing. That’s why I marched, and marched in the fall, and will probably continue to march.”

Jānis Pakalns, on the other hand, stopped by while passing by. He believes that the issue of women’s equality in Latvia is sorted out: “I think that everything is pretty much normal. Women can do any job. No one discriminates against them in particular. I think that in that sense, everything is fine.”

Ernests Mikuts, in turn, noted that gender inequality is still visible: “If we look at salaries, it is still the case in many places in the world that women have lower salaries for the same work that men do.”

Maija Krastiņa also emphasized inequality: “There are still very few women in public discussions. Especially if we look at the media or various expert discussions, there are usually either one or two women, but we are absolutely not in an equal position with the opposite sex.”

But Gunita Ģēģere thinks about her daughter’s future:

“I have a daughter growing up and it’s important to me that she lives safely. And that she has equal rights, not that we as women receive less.”

March participant Alise Vītola has experienced inequality firsthand: “When I was a young girl, a student, I also thought that we had completely equal opportunities for boys and girls. Then over time, I realized, especially when I became a mother, how many differences there are. We still have to fight today.”

Speeches at the Freedom Monument reminded people of equal rights and the right to live in safety. Chanting slogans, the procession passed peacefully through the Old Town.

The women also emphasized the right to speak out and not be insulted in their speeches today. They also tried to encourage women who are in abusive relationships to break the cycle of violence.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Tell us about a mistake