Landmarks around the world light up for International Women's Day

Morgan Sung
Updated

Cities worldwide have outfitted their buildings with magenta lights to commemorate women on International Women's Day. 

Here are some of the globe's most iconic landmarks, honoring women with bright lights and projected messages.

Spain

Spain saw one of its biggest public demonstrations in history as an estimated 5 million people striked across the country, according to The Guardian. The millions of women workers protested machismo culture and workplace harassment. Madrid's Neptune Fountain was lit up in magenta in honor of the strike. 

France

In Paris, the iconic Eiffel Tower also made a statement with the hashtag #MaintenantOnAgit projected on it. The message, which translates to Now We Act, went up on the eve of International Women's Day in honor of the #MeToo movement sweeping the film industry. 

UK

Last night, inspirational quotes were projected on the British Houses of Parliament in London. Messages included "You are more than enough" and "Still I rise," referencing a poem by Maya Angelou.

The Library of Birmingham was lit up in violet, white, and green to commemorate the United Kingdom's suffragettes, whose goal for a women's right to vote was finally achieved in 1918 and 1928. 

Australia

Story Bridge in Brisbane, Australia was also lit in purple for International Women's Day. 

U.S.

In New York City, Thinx projected "period poverty is real" on the Brooklyn Bridge to highlight how expensive menstrual products are. 

Last night, skylines throughout the United States and Canada lit up with red Venus symbols as part of the Catalyst Skyline Takeover challenge, which pushes for more diverse workplaces. About 30 buildings featured the symbol, including the John Hancock building in Boston, the Kroger headquarters in Cincinnati, and the BMO offices in Montreal.

Happy International Women's Day!

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