SOME 250 people marched in Kuala Lumpur this morning in conjunction with International Women’s Day, making five demands in their fight for women’s rights.

The participants, who marched 1km from the Sogo shopping mall to Dataran Tugu in Masjid Jamek, shouted slogans, including “Reclaim women’s space”.

The march was organised by the International Women’s Day Committee, comprising civil society organisations like Empower Women, Sisters in Islam and Gerakan Pembebasan Wanita (GPM).

“Until today, women still face discrimination. Firstly, they are in the grip of capitalist power, and secondly, they are discriminated against because of their gender,” said GPM coordinator Shaqirah Shauqi.

Addressing the crowd from the back of a pick-up truck, the 27-year-old called for the rejection of patriarchy, saying it has resulted in the exploitation of women.

“During a rally last year, there was a big incident in which women participants came under attack even though the organisers had negotiated with police. In reality, we shouldn’t have had to negotiate with anybody.”

She was referring to the incident in which Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was questioned by police over her speech at the Purple Walk last September.

“When we are attacked by the patriarchy, we must rise up and defend our space. Women must rise up,” she said, to cheers from the crowd.

Shaqirah told The Malaysian Insight that today’s march is the first held by the International Women’s Day Committee.

“This is the first time such a march is being organised by civil society and independent organisations.

“Last year, there was a rally, but there were fewer participants. This year, there are a lot more.”

The preschool teacher said the higher turnout is due in part to the Women’s Day celebration worldwide.

“This year, there’s more momentum due to marches in the US, Spain and Indonesia. We in Malaysia can’t afford to fall behind and not hold a march.”

She said the five demands brought forward by the International Women’s Day Committee are: ensuring equal employment rights and wages for women; doing away with gender discrimination; ensuring equal rights to leadership; ending the destruction of the environment; and, ridding society of “rape culture” and violence.

She added that the march is not only to fight for women’s rights, but also those of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“We also champion the rights of migrant workers. We intend on having them participate in next year’s march.” – March 10, 2018.