Clashes Break Out on International Women’s Day Across Mexico and Colombia

Report from Abolition Media Worldwide on International Women’s Day actions across Mexico and Columbia.

In Mexico, clashes took place in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla and Cuernavaca (Morelos). In the capital, at least 20,000 demonstrators protested against femicides (endemic phenomenon in the country) and against the insecurity experienced by women in the public space. 1,700 police officers had been deployed to contain them.

#Mundo | Mujeres tiran vallas colocadas en Palacio Nacional de #Mexico durante marcha de #8Marzo2021

Vía Mileno pic.twitter.com/VPLDHDQce8

— Antisana Media Online (@AntisanaMedia) March 8, 2021

Some protesters managed to knock down the metal fences protecting the national palace. The anti-riot police then used their shields to prevent protesters from entering the palace. Militant feminists set fire to police shields guarding the National Palace.

Feminists take to the streets in Cancun, Mexico. #8M 🔥💜💚🖤 ❤️
📷 Elizabeth Ruiz (elizabethfotocancun en IG). pic.twitter.com/7GUcfPhnH3

— Voices in Movement (@VIM_Media) March 10, 2021

In Cuernavaca, capital of the state of Morelos, groups of hooded militants attacked public buildings. The headquarters of the judiciary was attacked with Molotov cocktail, while the windows of the government’s palace were broken. A church has also been attacked. Clashes have also been reported in the city of Xalapa located in the state of Veracruz. The anti-riot police attempted to split the procession but did not reach it.

#8M Hundreds of women took to the streets in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas to protest against macho violence that kills! 🖤 🔥
📷(IG: gavi_sanabria) pic.twitter.com/W6PbVgZbhG

— Voices in Movement (@VIM_Media) March 10, 2021

In the city of Oaxaca de Juárez, the feminists attacked a church, as well as a building of the Ministry of Health. Finally clashes have been reported in the city of Puebla, capital of the state of Puebla.

Colombia

On the afternoon of March 8, a group of feminists set fire to the church of San Francisco de Asís during protests organized for Women’s Day (8M) in Bogotá (Colombia). The main door of the temple was set in flames.

The local newspaper Noticias Caracol, two Transmilenio buses, the Las Nieves and San Diego stations, a SITP bus and the Palace of Justice were also vandalized during the demonstration.