From street plays to highlight domestic violence to hundreds of male and female protesters wearing black masks and brandishing #MeToo placards, people around the world have taken to the streets to make their voices heard on International Women’s Day.
Marches and demonstrations in Asia kicked off rallies around the world with other events are planned across Asia, the Mideast, Europe and the Americas.
Hundreds of women activists in pink and purple shirts were protesting in the Philippines against President Rodrigo Duterte, who they said is among the worst violators of women’s rights in Asia.
Protest leaders sang and danced in a boisterous rally in downtown Manila’s Plaza Miranda. They handed red and white roses to mothers, sisters and widows of several drug suspects slain under Duterte’s deadly crackdown on illegal drugs.
Demonstrators supporting the MeToo movement in black stage a rally to mark the International Women’s Day in Seoul, South Korea
People take part in a rally to celebrate International Women’s Day at the State Library in Melbourne, Australia
A Filipino woman holds a placard during a rally marking International Women’s Day in Manila, Philippine to protest against the gender pay gap
Eni Lestari, chairperson of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) speaks during a protest against the working conditions of foreign domestic helpers on International Women’s Day in Hong
Protesters, many wearing black and holding black signs reading #MeToo, gathered in central Seoul, South Korea to call for tougher action to bring alleged sexual offenders to justice, as well as action on other issues such as closing a gender pay gap.
Since a female prosecutor’s revelation in January of workplace mistreatment and sexual misconduct, South Korea’s #MeToo movement has gained major traction with the list of women speaking out growing daily.
Several high-profile men have resigned from positions of power, including a governor who was a leading presidential contender before he was accused of repeatedly raping his secretary.
Myanmar’s Embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi said that peaceful democracies make good use of women’s strength in political, economic and social fields.
Women band members of Armed Police Force (APF) take part during a rally to mark International Women’s Day in Kathmandu, Nepal
Myanmar’s State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi (C-R), Myanamr’s first lady Su Su Lwin (C-L), Khan Thet Htay (R), wife of Myanmar Vice-President Myint Swe, and Shwe Lwan (L), wife of Myanmar Vice-President Henry Van Hti Yu, pose of group photo after the International Women’s Day ceremony at the Myanmar International Convention Center 2 in Naypyitaw
Myanmar’s Embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi said that peaceful democracies make good use of women’s strength in political, economic and social fields
In a speech marking International Women’s Day, she said, ‘A country’s human rights values will be enhanced when women are granted their rights.’
Thursday was the third year the annual event was celebrated under a civilian government in Myanmar, where the military that long ruled the country is still powerful.
Suu Kyi leads the political party that won by a landslide in 2015 elections but the constitution bars her from becoming the president.
Though Myanmar has a woman leading its civilian government, a profound gender gap remains in the country of 52 million people.
Meanwhile in Spain women have called for a 24-hour feminist strike in their workplaces and also stop doing duties at home during the International Women’s Day.
Women bang pots and pans as shooting slogans during a protest marking the beginning of a 24-hour women strike at the Sol square in Madrid
Women in Spain have been called for a 24-hour feminist strike in their workplaces and also stop doing duties at home
People take part in a rally to celebrate International Women’s Day at the State Library in Melbourne, Australia which kicked off a day of worldwide protests
An activist from the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body holds a placard that reads ‘End Modern Day Slavery in HK’ during a protest
Men and women came together to protest in Seoul , South Korea, donning black clothing and masks
Protesters shout slogans during a rally against President Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines