By Malaika Kusumi
Throughout history, women’s rights have been a defining measure of human rights and democracy. Societies that uphold gender equality tend to protect civil liberties more broadly, while those that suppress women’s rights usually show the erosion of freedoms for all. From reproductive rights being stripped away in the United States to the brutal oppression of women in Afghanistan and Iran, the fight for gender justice is at the heart of the global struggle for human dignity. The threats we face today—whether authoritarianism, economic inequality, or racial and gender-based discrimination—are interconnected. When democracy is under attack, so too are the rights of women, marginalized communities, and all who seek justice.
One powerful response to these threats was the Rise Up for Justice Women’s Rally, held in Germany on International Women’s Day. This event brought together activists, experts, and concerned citizens to demand justice, equality, and freedom. To gain deeper insight into the motivations and impact of this event, we spoke with Angela Fobbs, Chair of the Global Black Caucus and Democrats Abroad Director of Strategic Initiatives, who co-organized the rally.
What motivated you to help organize the Rise Up for Justice Women’s Rally?
Ann Hesse and I have organized many large events together, and we understand how helpless and heartbroken people abroad feel about what’s happening in our country. International Women’s Day provided the perfect opportunity to educate, mobilize, and empower people to resist fascism. The first step in fighting back is knowing that you can—and that you don’t have to accept the actions of the Trump regime. As Tim Snyder writes in On Tyranny, “Don’t obey in advance.”
What were the key messages or demands of this rally? Were there any speakers or moments that stood out to you?
The core message was clear: we must fight back, and there are many ways to do so. Every speaker—from Caucus leaders to experts on Christian Nationalism, tech fascism, and Social Security to feminist activists—delivered powerful insights. Most of our speakers were women, and all were deeply motivational role models.
Aside from working on the organization team, how did being part of the rally make you feel? Did it meet your expectations?
I felt proud, energized, and—admittedly—a little exhausted! We put this event together in just two weeks, and I’m always amazed at how quickly Democrats Abroad can mobilize. Programming 16 hours of meaningful content is no small task, but we succeeded in bringing together incredible speakers with valuable insights for our community.
What was the most inspiring or emotional moment for you?
There wasn’t just one moment. Every speaker and every question from the audience gave me something to think about and something to act on.
Did you have any personal conversations or connections with attendees that made an impact on you?
The overwhelmingly positive feedback was deeply rewarding. It was meaningful to see how much this event resonated with people.
If Clara Zetkin were alive today and present at the rally, what would she do and say about the state of women’s rights?
Many may not know that Clara Zetkin, alongside Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede, and others, proposed the first International Women’s Day in 1910, which was first observed in 1911. In 1889, she stated:
“Working women are absolutely convinced that the question of the emancipation of women is not an isolated question but part of the great social question. They realize perfectly that this question can never be solved in contemporary society, but only after a complete social transformation.”
It’s hard to say exactly what she would think of our event, but given its intersectional and diverse focus, I believe it would align with her belief that women’s rights are deeply connected to broader social struggles.
The Rise Up for Justice Women’s Rally was more than a moment—it was a movement, a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent. As Angela Fobbs emphasized, the fight for justice is not only about individual policies or leaders; it is about the larger battle against oppression in all its forms. We stand at a crossroads where silence is complicity and action is imperative.
History shows us that progress is never guaranteed—it is demanded. As Clara Zetkin and countless other trailblazers have taught us, true liberation comes only through persistent, collective struggle. Angela Fobbs offers this reminder to those who feel disheartened or powerless in the face of growing authoritarianism: “You are not alone. The fight for justice belongs to all of us, and together, we are unstoppable.”
Angela Fobbs is the Global Strategic Initiatives Director, Global Black Caucus Chair, and chair of DA Wiesbaden-Mainz
Malaika Kusumi is a DA Frankfurt leader, and 2024 DA delegate to the DNC
Democrats Abroad loves volunteers and encourages you to get in touch if you have time to rise up and mobilize! Write [email protected]