This year, the United Nations (UN) Women for Peace Association held its third annual “March In March” for gender equality on Sunday, March 8. This year’s theme was “50-50 by 2030,” meaning that the United Nations hopes to achieve gender equality by the year 2030.

The demonstration, which started near the UN headquarters at East 47th Street and 2nd Avenue and went all the way to Times Square, was led by Secretary-General of the UN Ban Ki-Moon, First Lady of New York City Chirlane McCray and other influential gender equality advocates. “We need global action — Action!” Ban Ki-Moon urged in the opening ceremony, which preceded the march. Police officers and volunteers ensured that streets were clear for the crowd.

Thousands of people showed up for the march waving banners and signs that demanded social change including achieving pay equality, abolishing forced and underage marriage, ending street harassment, and eradicating rape as a weapon of war. The signs expressed concerns for women globally. Some focused on particular countries, such as one poster which read,  “Look, Egypt: we march without dying” and another which proclaimed, “South Africa, to end gender-based violence, we need a national Gender Based Violence (GBV) plan now!” The crowd was comprised of many people of varying races, sexes, genders and ages. Different groups advocated for different aspects of gender equality, an  example is rights for older women or for Latina women. Many people brought their younger children; one man in particular expressed to us his desire to teach his sons about gender equality because “it starts with education.”

The campaign calls for every person to “Step it up!” and fight for equal rights all over the world. Photos and videos can be found on the United Nations’ Twitter @UN and @UN_Women.