On March 8th, International Women’s Day, the streets of Stockholm were filled with passion and purpose as the Ethiopian Refugee Association organized a demonstration to honor Ethiopian women and raise awareness of their struggles. The march began at Sergels Torg and made its way to Norrmalmstorg, where the protesters gathered to demand justice for women
the powerful calls for freedom and justice, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to telling the truth in a country where free speech is under constant threat. The crowd was unified, chanting for the release of journalists and the protection of freedom of the press in Ethiopia. Among the names highlighted by the demonstrators were Meskerem Abera and Genet Asmamaw, two Ethiopian journalists who have been victims of systemic violence and suppression due to their courageous work. Meskerem Abera, a well-known journalist who was forced into exile after facing threats and harassment, has been an outspoken advocate for press freedom and human rights in Ethiopia. Genet Asmamaw, another journalist who bravely reported on the struggles of marginalized communities, has also faced significant dangers, including the threat of imprisonment for her work.
Many of the demonstrators carried messages condemning the violence against women in conflict zones, calling for justice for those who have been silenced, oppressed, or forgotten.The protest was peaceful, but its message was loud and clear: the fight for women’s rights is a global struggle. From the streets of Ethiopia to the heart of Stockholm, people are coming together to demand that women be heard, that their rights be respected, and that their freedoms be protected.
The demonstration not only called attention to the plight of Ethiopian journalists but also emphasized the broader struggle for gender equality, human rights, and the protection of women in conflict zones. As the protest continued, it was evident that the fight for press freedom, women’s rights, and justice is a shared responsibility, one that transcends borders.
In Stockholm, on that International Women’s Day, the voices of protesters rang out as a unified force for change, demanding freedom, equality, and justice for women everywhere.
