Cover image via Twitter
Disclaimer: Names and faces have been blurred out to protect the privacy of the attendees.
A few hundred Malaysians took to the streets yesterday, 8 March, to practise their right to freedom of speech in celebration of International Women's Day
The International Women's March, themed 'End Violence, Respect Women!', started with people gathering at Sogo before ending near Dataran Merdeka.
Among the seven demands made by attendees this year were:
– End all violence based on gender and sexual orientation,
– Ban all child marriages,
– Ensure our rights and freedoms to make choices over our own bodies and lives,
– Equal pay for work of equal value,
– Legislate the Gender Equality Act,
– Declare climate crisis and formulate national plan to mitigate climate crisis, and
– Equal public and political participation.
Image via Twitter
A wide range of placards, signs, and posters championing these issues were seen at the rally.
Here are some of our favourites:
Some demanded to leave us women alone – our bodies, our decision
Image via Twitter
Image via Miera Zulyana/Malay Mail
Image via Twitter
Because it's all about equality
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
And that women can do just as much as men can, maybe even more
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
Some men have gotten the message and joined the fight
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
One of the more prominent messages was the banning of child marriage
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
While many have also demanded for climate justice in Malaysia
Image via Twitter
Image via Twitter
Most notably, a representative of the Orang Asli Temiar tribe from Gua Musang, Kelantan was also at the rally.
She urged the government to recognise, respect, and protect indigenous peoples' rights, defend their land and help stop climate change.
Image via Twitter @ayyputeri
