Beyond bouquets: why women's rights remain a battleground in Luxembourg in 2025

March 8th. It's a date often painted in pastel hues, a day of well-intentioned gestures and fleeting celebrations. But let's be clear: this is not a day for frivolous trinkets or patronising platitudes. This is a day etched in the struggle for human dignity, a day to ignite the fire of justice within every soul born into a woman's body.

In 2025, in the heart of prosperous Luxembourg, we might ask: why must we still raise the banner of women's rights? Haven't we progressed? Haven't we achieved equality? The answer, stark and undeniable, is not yes. We still need to work on some points.

March 8th is not “women's day” – it's a day of reckoning to remember the tireless fight for fundamental human rights. It's a day when the strength and wisdom inherent in every woman are brought to the forefront, a day to amplify the voices that refuse to be silenced.

This is not a celebration of femininity as a delicate flower, but a recognition of the fierce, unyielding spirit that has driven social change throughout history. It's also a day to honour the women who dared to challenge the status quo, who risked everything for the right to choose their own path.

Watch the video of Martine Birmann, long-time representative of our syndicate and engaged in the fight for women's rights for many years (French with subtitles available):

There is still a gender pay gap in Luxembourg pensions, the largest in Europe: on average, women aged over 65 receive 44% less pension than men. Luxembourg is closely followed by Malta and the Netherlands (both 40%), Cyprus (39%), Austria (37%) and Germany (36%).

To be heard, we need to speak up for women's rights. That's why we invite you to attend the march this Saturday, March 8^th at 3 pm. More information: https://fraestreik.lu/.