Luxembourg (HELVILUX) – On Sunday, 8 March 2026, International Women’s Day in Luxembourg will once again be marked by a strong message; The fight for women’s rights is most powerful when it is collective. This year, Passerell, the association defending the rights of people in exile, is transforming the day into a combination of protest, community engagement, and concrete action.
Two Events, One Shared Commitment
The day begins at 14:00 with the annual feminist march organised by the Plateforme luxembourgeoise pour l’égalité femmes-hommes, gathering participants at Place de Paris in Luxembourg City. The march is expected to bring together activists, families, and organisations committed to advancing gender equality.
From 15:00 to 19:00, attention shifts from the streets to the climbing walls at Boulder Klub Lëtzebuerg in Pfaffenthal. A special Women’s Bouldering Festival afternoon will raise funds for Passerell, with a €5 entrance fee – every euro directly supporting the association’s work. The event will include homemade Italian focaccia tasting and a raffle, offering participants the chance to win the illustrated book Réhumanisez-moi – 9 vies en suspens.
The symbolism is deliberate. After marching for justice, participants are invited to climb – reflecting the lived realities of the women supported by Passerell, many of whom have crossed borders, fled violence, and faced daunting legal and administrative challenges in rebuilding their lives.
Supporting Women in Exile
Founded in 2016, Passerell provides free and independent legal and administrative assistance to people in exile in Luxembourg. In 2024 alone, the organisation conducted more than 1,000 appointments for over 800 individuals representing 68 nationalities. Its work continued at high intensity in 2025, supporting hundreds of vulnerable women, men, and children.
A key initiative, PasserELLES, focuses specifically on women and girls in exile many survivors of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, domestic abuse, sexual violence and female genital mutilation. Through dedicated consultations, legal guidance, family reunification procedures, and professional training sessions, the association aims to ensure that these women are not reduced to case numbers but recognised as individuals with rights and agency.
The association also produces country-of-origin reports and legal newsletters to inform both beneficiaries and professionals. In 2020, it published Réhumanisez-moi, an illustrated collection of nine anonymised life stories highlighting the human dimension behind asylum procedures. Proceeds from book sales directly fund the organisation’s activities.
“Give to Gain” in Action
The global 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates strongly with this initiative. The €5 entry fee, each donation and every raffle ticket translate into tangible support for women navigating complex asylum and integration processes in Luxembourg.
The Women’s Bouldering Festival community has already demonstrated its commitment. In November 2025, the group donated €1,300 to Passerell and pledged continued support throughout 2026.
Catherine Warin, co-founder and president of Passerell, emphasises the direct impact of such contributions:
“Giving to Passerell means directly changing the lives of vulnerable women, men and children in exile and contributing to the respect of fundamental rights right here in Luxembourg.”
A Collective Climb Toward Justice
Organisers stress that participation does not require legal expertise or climbing experience. What matters is solidarity – the belief that every woman and girl deserves safety, dignity, and justice, regardless of origin.
By combining advocacy and fundraising, 8 March 2026 promises to be more than a symbolic date. It is positioned as a practical demonstration of how local communities can support fundamental rights through shared action.
