Andorra Feminists Call for March 8 Protests Over Abortion Rights Regression

Acció Feminista, a prominent women's rights group in Andorra, has called for street demonstrations on March 8, International Women's Day, to protest what it describes as a period of regression in women's rights both locally and globally.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the collective highlighted the ongoing lack of legal guarantees for abortion in Andorra. Women still must travel abroad to access the procedure, amid delays in promised reforms and what the group terms "institutional violence" through silence, procrastination, and empty commitments. This situation, they argue, creates legal insecurity and perpetuates gender inequality, underscoring a gap between official rhetoric and daily realities.

The announcement frames the mobilisation within broader demands, including the right to bodily autonomy, lives free from misogynistic violence, and genuine equality in economic and labour spheres. "We claim rights for all," the group stated, vowing to reclaim public spaces against a perceived global rollback and the use of fear as a political tool. Their message concluded with a firm declaration: "Enough rudeness. We want to be free, with rights and guarantees."

The call aligns with annual March 8 protests focusing on sexual and reproductive rights, misogynistic violence, and structural gender disparities.

This comes as Andorra ranks highly in global indices for women's political representation. According to a 2025 report by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women, the country ties for sixth worldwide in female cabinet ministers, with perfect parity across its 12 portfolios (six led by women, six by men), though the head of government tilts the executive balance male. The 28-member General Council also achieves exact parity with 14 women and 14 men, placing Andorra fifth globally for parliamentary gender balance, shared with the United Arab Emirates.

Judith Pallarés, secretary general of the Andorran Women's Institute, acknowledged these advances but stressed more work remains, particularly in corporate boardrooms and event organisation, where women remain underrepresented despite evidence that female leadership improves decision-making processes. She noted the challenges in sustaining progress even with strong political presence.