The UK Women’s March 2025 was set to take place on Saturday, January 18 two days before Donald Trump’s inauguration in the United States and would have been one of several marches taking place across the UK on the same day.
The group is protesting against violence against women and girls, transphobia, Taliban rule in Afghanistan and “Nigel Farage picking up the anti-abortion mantle here in the UK”.
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However, Glasgow’s march has been cancelled as “despite extensive planning and discussions” they were unable to secure a suitable location for the event to take place.
A statement shared on Instagram by UK Women’s March read: “It is with deep regret that we must announce the cancellation of the Glasgow Women’s March.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council for their unwavering support and collaborative efforts in trying to secure a suitable location for both a static event and procession.
“Despite extensive planning and discussions, a viable solution could not be reached due to several factors.”
They said factors included the closure of George Square due to the Christmas markets being removed, health and safety concerns at alternative venues including limited accessibility and transport links and two other major events in the city centre on the same day.
The statement continued: “This was an incredibly difficult decision, and we recognise the disappointment this may cause.
“Significant time and effort were invested by all involved to explore every possible option.
“However, after careful consideration, the safety and well-being of those attending must remain our top priority.
“We kindly ask that this decision is respected, as it has been made with the best interests of participants and the wider community in mind.”
They encouraged anyone still wishing to take part in a march to find details of their nearest event. A march is expected to take place in Edinburgh.
The UK Women’s March 2025 Facebook group says the event are being organised because it is time to “make our voices heard” due to Donald Trump returning as US President.
Their statement reads: “We are marching because violence against women and girls in the UK has increased by 37% since 2018 and has now been declared a national emergency.
“We are marching because abortion in England and Wales, if not carried out according to the strict requirements of the Abortion Act 1967, is technically still a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
“We are marching because reproductive rights are being removed state by state in the US making it increasingly more difficult to access safe abortions, and where vital healthcare is needed to save a woman’s life.
“We are marching because discrimination and violence against trans women and girls has increased around the world.
“Anti-trans rhetoric prevents women from addressing the real issues they encounter by reinforcing the gender stereotypes that have oppressed women for centuries.”
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It continued: “We are marching because women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule have been effectively silenced by being banned from speaking in public.
“They are no longer allowed to access education or work and are prevented from freedom of expression.
“We are marching because girls in Iran as young as 13 years old are forced into marriage, with lawmakers looking to lower the age to nine years old.
“Women face restrictions on dress with severe punishment for violations, including imprisonment and up to 74 lashes.
“These are just a few of the many ways misogyny and the patriarchy have affected women around the globe. We are angry, and you should be too.”
