Mexican women unite in fury over femicide and systemic justice failures

Thousands of women took to the streets across Mexico on International Women's Day to demand justice for victims of femicide and gender-based violence. The protests targeted government institutions, the judiciary, and university authorities over failures to protect women's rights and lives.

In Cuernavaca, Morelos, demonstrators gathered at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM) to honour Kimberly and Karol, two students recently killed in the region. Their march was joined by families of disappeared women, searching mothers, and students from across the state.

Protesters condemned the state for denying justice to femicide victims and criticised lawmakers for refusing to decriminalise abortion. They also accused the judiciary of delaying cases involving vicarious violence, leaving families without resolution.

Chants filled the streets, with many directing anger at UAEM's rector, Viridiana León Hernández. Demonstrators accused her of negligence in addressing campus insecurity, demanding immediate action to protect students. The crowd insisted on respect for their bodies, their rights, and justice for all missing and murdered women.

The demonstrations highlighted widespread frustration with systemic failures in addressing violence against women. Families of victims, activists, and students united in calling for accountability from authorities and institutions. Their demands centred on concrete legal reforms, faster judicial processes, and stronger protections for women's safety.