Thousands march for women's rights, gender equality in KL

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,000 people took to the streets near Sogo KL on Saturday (March 9) morning to march for women's rights in conjunction with International Women's Day.

The marchers included participants from several women's groups like Women's Aid Organisation (WAO), Sisters in Islam (SIS), activists, members of the public and students.

Many held colourful placards that championed various issues, including ending discrimination against women, ending child marriage, ending violence against women and calling for gender equality.

As they marched from Sogo KL to Masjid Jamek, they chanted slogans like "End child marriage", "Hidup Wanita!", "Stop sexism", "Jangan Kacau LGBT" and more.

In their midst was a small group of activists holding LGBT rainbow flags.

They also held a placard with the words "We exist" – an apparent swipe at Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, who reportedly said homosexuality did not exist in Malaysia.

Among the demands listed down by the march #WomensMarchMy this year were the elimination of gender discrimination, an end to violence against women, the strengthening women's rights, and a push for equal opportunities and wages.