Milan is historically a very important Italian hub for the feminist struggle. It was in this city that, in the early 1960s, Demau ( Emancipated Women in the Liberation Movement) emerged. Led by Daniela Pellegrini, the movement focused on sexual subordination and civil rights, such as the repeal of adultery laws. In 1970, Carla Lonzi‘s Manifesto di Rivolta Femminile (Manifesto of Female Revolt) was published, which enshrined separatism and pride in female difference.
In the city, places such as the Casa delle Donne (Women’s House) and the bookshop of the same name, which has been open for over 50 years, keep alive the debate and the memory of all the women who fought for the rights we have today. On this special day, which celebrates women and their struggles, here are some interesting activities and initiatives organized for March 8 in Milan.
March 8 events in Milan
As every year, there will be a peaceful city demonstration in Milan on March 8. The march will meet in Piazza Duca d’Aosta at 3:00 p.m. It is assumed that the march will follow the same route as in previous years, passing through Piazza Cavour and ending in Piazza Fontana. To ensure the safety and passage of the demonstrators, some roads may be closed, some public transport lines may be slowed down, and the Duomo and San Babila metro stations may be crowded at the end of the march.
On March 9, however, a global transfeminist strike has been called, which in Milan will start at 9:30 a.m. from Largo Cairoli.
đź“Ť March 8, 2026 – 3:00 p.m. – Piazza Duca d’Aosta
📍 March 9, 2026 – 9:30 a.m. – Largo Cairoli
Screening and prevention initiatives
From March 2 to 8, on the occasion of World HPV Day and International Women’s Day, the Lombardy ASSTs are promoting a week of free initiatives dedicated to the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer. The initiative includes HPV screening, with Pap tests for women between the ages of 25 and 29 who have not had the test in the last three years, and HPV tests for women between the ages of 30 and 64 who have not had the test in the last five years.
The HPV vaccination is also included, aimed at girls and boys up to the age of 26, as well as the at-risk categories covered by the PRPV 2024. Finally, mammography screening is available and can be booked through the dedicated portal.
Museums, exhibitions, and theatrical performances
In 2026, the ‘8 March at the Museum’ initiative returns. On International Women’s Day, all women will have free access to museums, castles, villas, historic gardens, and other state-owned cultural sites. Among the most interesting museums participating in the initiative are the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano, which can be accessed free of charge but requires a reservation, and the Pinacoteca di Brera. The list is constantly being updated!
Housed in the evocative Sala delle Cariatidi (Hall of the Caryatids) in the Royal Palace, the exhibition Le Alchimistre (The Alchemists) by Anselm Kiefer, curated by art historian Gabriella Belli, brings together over forty large canvases created to enter into dialogue with the historical and architectural memories of this space.
The exhibition is also Kiefer’s tribute to Caterina Sforza, a Milanese scientist and military leader, author of an alchemical manuscript containing over 400 formulas for medicines and potions. Through her, the artist pays homage to women forgotten by history and science, but who were essential to the subjects, such as Isabella Cortese, Maria la Giudea, Marie Meudrac, and many others.