Hundreds March in Mexico City on 25N to Protest Gender Violence

Demonstration Marks International Day Against Gender Violence

On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, hundreds of women took to the streets of Mexico City in a powerful demonstration against gender violence, femicide, and the widespread impunity surrounding these crimes. The march coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, an annual observance that highlights the urgent need to combat violence faced by women and girls globally. Authorities indicated that the demonstration proceeded peacefully.

Participants, many clad in purple or sporting green bandanas, carried signs and beat drums as they moved through the capital's streets. Their messages underscored a collective demand for safety and justice. One marcher, Alin Rocha, a 41-year-old teacher, expressed her motivation, stating, 'I am here for my grandmother, for my mother, for all of the women who aren't here anymore, for all the women who report (violence) and aren't supported.' Another participant, lawyer Alejandra Perez, highlighted systemic failures, noting, 'The system is very slow. Unfortunately many women have to conduct their own investigations.' The overarching slogan 'ni una más, ni una menos' ('not one woman more, not one woman less') resonated throughout the protest, symbolizing the fight for every woman's right to live free from violence.

Pervasive Violence and Impunity in Mexico

The march served as a stark reminder of the severe challenges women face in Mexico. Official data indicates that an average of 10 women or girls are killed every day due to gender-based violence. In 2021, Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography reported that 70% of Mexican women and girls over the age of 15 had experienced some form of violence, with nearly half of these incidents being sexual in nature.

Recent figures continue to paint a grim picture. Mexican parliamentary records show that 3,430 women died violent deaths in 2024, including 829 femicides, a crime specifically defined as murder motivated by a victim's gender. While the number of femicides saw a 17.7% decrease from 624 to 513 in the current year, the rate of female victims of common crimes increased by 7.5% in 2025, with 100,989 women filing reports in the first nine months compared to 93,899 in the same period of 2024.

Governmental Response and Ongoing Initiatives

The issue of gender violence has gained increased attention since Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico's first female president last year. President Sheinbaum recently initiated a nationwide campaign against sexual harassment and abuse, following a personal incident where she was groped in the capital's historic center.

On the day of the march, President Sheinbaum convened governors from Mexico's 32 states to review progress on legislation aimed at criminalizing sexual harassment across the country. She emphasized the importance of legal reform, stating, 'Changing the laws is not enough, but it is necessary.' Additionally, the Sheinbaum administration launched '16 Days of Activism Against Violence Toward Women,' an initiative focused on raising awareness and promoting sensitization efforts. Despite these efforts, some participants, like 41-year-old doctor Miriam González, expressed skepticism, noting that 'nothing has changed' even with a woman in the presidency. The Mexico City government welcomed the march, stating its commitment to protests against violence that are conducted without violence. Approximately 600 female police officers were deployed to monitor the demonstration.