A march denouncing violence against women and all forms of sexism will be organised on Thursday, International Women's Day.

Participants will meet at City Gate, Valletta, at 5.30pm and march down Republic Street.

Violence against women is not decreasing in numbers and usually involves family or partners, not just a few delinquent individuals, the organisers said. Gender-based violence is deep-rooted, inseparable from the reality of structural gender inequality that manifests itself in social attitudes, gender roles and dominant discourses. 

In a Maltese market where rent and property prices have spiralled out of control, compounded by low wages and the increasing cost of living, people like single mothers and women with abusive partners are finding it harder to build an independent life. Specific difficulties are also experienced by trans women facing transphobia and financial burdens, as well as by migrant women, often living precarious lives due to temporary documentation and, at times, a hostile social environment. 

Thursday's event is being organised by Women's Rights Foundation, Moviment Graffitti, Gender Equality Malta, Men Against Violence and Integra Foundation. The march has also been endorsed by the Department of Gender Studies, Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), aditus Foundation, Żminijietna – Voice of the Left, Gay-Straight Alliance MCAST (GSAM) and the Association for Equality (A4E).