International Women's Day protest draws roughly 100 people to Virginia Beach's Town Center

Stacy Parker, The Virginian-Pilot on Mar 8, 2025

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VIRGINIA BEACH — A crowd of roughly 100 people holding politically charged signs and shaking tambourines showed up for an International Women’s Day protest Saturday at Town Center.

The rally was one of thousands of events held around the world focused on women’s rights, equality and empowerment. Attended by mostly women of all ages from across Hampton Roads, the protest included tongue-lashings of Republican President Donald Trump, adviser Elon Musk and U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, who represents Virginia’s 2nd District.

Bianca Keipe, 35, of Chesapeake organized the two-hour event, International Women’s Day — Unite & Resist in Virginia Beach, on social media. Participants initially met in front of Kiggans’ office on Constitution Drive. They marched around the block to Virginia Beach Boulevard, where they faced busy Saturday traffic along the city’s main thoroughfare.

Several protests have been held at Kiggans’ office over the past few weeks. The common theme: Constituents want the GOP congresswoman to take a stand against some of the Trump administration’s policies.

“On International Women’s Day, we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover,” the event description online said. “Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed — just show up and bring others.”

Keipe said the goal was “just being able to speak out about democracy, showing that we do still have a voice and getting like-minded people together.”

Protesters shouted “Jen Kiggans do your job,” “Women’s rights are human rights,” and “Hey, hey, ho, ho — Donald Trump has got to go.”

Dozens honked their horns as they drove past the crowd, energizing the demonstrators, who cheered and raised their signs higher.

Madeline Gilmore, 68, of Norfolk attended with her sisters.

“I can’t just sit back and be idle about women’s rights,” said Gilmore, adding that wages and health care are among her concerns.

She participated in a segregation protest as a teenager in the early 1970s, and wasn’t sure what to expect Saturday. Gilmore happily accepted a tambourine from another protester and joined the chanting crowd.

“At first, I was a little timid, then I started screaming,” she said.

Amy Logue, 43, of Virginia Beach held an “empowered women” sign.

“I wanted to show my kids and my community that I wasn’t quietly complicit,” Logue said. “We need to speak up now before it gets harder to protect our rights.”

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