DESPITE the spread of the Covid-19 virus, people thronged the streets of Kuala Lumpur to march for International Women’s Day, this morning.

The march started from Sogo Shopping Mall at 10.30am and ended at Dataran Merdeka, where the activists took turns to speak to the crowd.

As the group 300 people marched, they called for an end to child marriage and domestic violence, more access to education, an end to patriarchy, and equal wages, while smaller groups among them demanded equal rights and opportunities.

The Orang Asli women taking part urged Putrajaya to recognise their customary land rights.

Among those who spoke was Sisters in Islam executive director Rozana Isa.

She said, although Malaysia has been independent for 62 years, women are still not free from patriarchy, unjust laws and narrow-minded society.

“Laws to fight discrimination are important. We want equal rights for every citizen in Malaysia,” she said. – March 8, 2020.