Through the roads of Manila to a college in East London, people all over the world marked Overseas Women’s Day on Sunday with calls to end exploitation while increasing equality.

But tensions marred some festivities, with police firing tear gas and arresting demonstrators at rallies in Turkey and Kyrgyzstan.

Separatists detonated a bomb during a ceremony in Cameroon. No body ended up being harmed when you look at the assault.

“In numerous means or types, ladies are being exploited and taken benefit of, ” Arlene Brosas, the agent of a Filipino advocacy team stated within a rally that drew hundreds towards the area nearby the palace that is presidential. Protesters needed greater job and pay protection, and demanded that President Rodrigo Duterte respect women’s legal rights.

In Pakistan, ladies rallied in metropolitan areas throughout the country, despite petitions filed in court trying to stop them. The opposition had been stirred to some extent by debate more than a motto utilized in final year’s march: “My Body, My Choice. ”

Pakistani policewomen (R) escort activists associated with the Aurat (girl) March holding placards during a rally to mark Overseas Women’s Day in Karachi on March 8, 2020. (AFP)

Some groups that are conservative threatened to prevent this year’s marches by force. But Pakistani officials pledged to protest the marchers.

The rallies are notable in a conservative nation where females usually try not to feel safe in public areas due to available harassment. (more…)