The Malaysian Insight

SOME 250 people marched for women’s rights today on International Women’s Day.

Shouting slogans proclaiming they were “reclaiming women’s space”, the participants walked 1km from Sogo shopping mall to Dataran Tugu in Masjid Jamek.

The event was organised by the International Women’s Day committee, whose members are from civil society organisations such as  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, who spoke from the back of a pick-up truck.

She urged women to rise up to defend their place when attacked by the “patriarchy”, such as occurred at last year’s rally.

“Women participants came under attack even though the organisers had negotiated with police. In reality, we shouldn’t have had to negotiate with anybody.”

Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, the wife of Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had been questioned by police over her speech at September’s Purple Walk.

“When we are attacked by the patriarchy, we must rise up and defend our space. Women must rise up,” said Shaqirah, to cheers from the crowd. – March 10, 2018.