The FCA joined 20,000 people on Dam Square for Amsterdam’s 2025 edition of the Feminist March. Some of our members shared what the day meant for them and how they view the act of protesting in these times.
What happened at the Feminist March? ALEXIA described what she saw.
“This year’s feminist march was an experience. Despite the collective anger, frustration and fear due to the current state of the world, the march was a powerful display of unity, passion, and hope. Under the warm spring sun, tens of thousands of people came together, filling the Amsterdam streets with energy. From elderly women holding signs that read “still fighting” to young kids proudly waving their homemade posters, the diversity of voices was inspiring. The event began with powerful speeches, setting the tone for the day. Countless signs were raised in the air, ranging from sharp and witty to serious and thought-provoking, showing that there is not only one way to advocate for equity and fairness. Despite the differences, everyone was marching towards the same goal. If you weren’t there this year, make sure to join next time. It’s worth it.”
What’s it like joining as a first-timer? LISA shared her experience.
“I had a blast celebrating my first women‘s day in Amsterdam! I felt empowered and supported by the huge crowd of fellow demonstrators and with the sun being out, it all felt like one big celebration of intersectional feminism. I was impressed by the inclusivity of the organisation and want to say thanks to everyone involved.”
What made this year’s march special? LEONIE shared what stood out for her.
“At this year’s feminist march I noticed quite a few families with their small children (many of them I read as daughters) who were carrying colourful self-made protest boards. While I think it is great that parents educate their children on gender inequality, it also made me sad that young girls already have to protest for their rights in a world that they were only recently born into.”
How is protesting transformative? DANAI shared how participating in the march changed her.
“I ended this march thinking “Today was a good day and I really needed this”. Lately the world has been feeling such a dark place and nothing is to be taken for granted. But seeing all these people marching together for feminism and human rights made me feel empowered and hopeful. Seeing people from all walks of life ready to fight for a more equal and inclusive future was very moving. I want to take this day as an inspiration to create this community in our day to day lives and to live by the values we are protesting for. We need to remember that we are not alone in this and that no one is free until we are all free.”
What’s the point of protesting in these times? SARAH explained.
“Never forget that it only takes a political, economic, or religious crisis for women’s rights to be called into question. These rights can never be taken for granted. You must remain vigilant throughout your life.”
– Simone de Beauvoir.
“If you missed this year’s feminist march, you’ve probably seen in the media the massive crowd that this year’s edition brought.
As we enter very dangerous political times, it is more important than ever to show up and protect your rights. Seeing such a huge crowd made me feel complete and that my actions as a feminist can bring so many people together. Protesting gives you power as an individual. But it also proves to others that collective action can change things. Protesting is about showing up for what you stand for as an individual. It shows how vital the issue is and, in this case, why feminism is still needed. You’re showing support for the disadvantaged people around you. You’re not only doing it for yourself but also to protect the people around you.
Moving to the Netherlands as a French person was quite an experience, as Dutch people are often content with what is given to them. In French culture, demonstrating is part of our identity because our history shows the world that it works (and because we love complaining, but that’s another debate). In a democratic system like the Netherlands or France, we do not only rely on voting for our representatives but also on showing up as one entity to protest for what’s right. Democracy is about mobilizing people and putting the spotlight on what we think needs to be talked about. It is also about the right to vote and express yourself outside of the voting booth. There is no denying that the media plays a massive role in society. Whether on the streets or on social media, speaking up about what’s right is about shedding light on what needs to be done politically and why it needs to be done.
If you missed this year’s feminist march, you missed a crowd full of love, ambition, and support. People from any generation and social status showed up for those whose voices couldn’t be heard.
Instead of asking yourself why people protest, you might ask yourself why you’re not doing the same.”
