Chants and cheers could be heard and seen as the breath of supporters rose to the sky while speakers led them over a microphone.

It is an official holiday in more than 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ukraine, Russia and Cuba, the only one in the Americas.

Global observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 every year sheds light on gender equality, women’s rights, and the challenges faced by women worldwide.