"Women need to reclaim the night so that they can walk safely even after the sun has set."

Amnesty International Malaysia (AI-M) executive director Nora Murat made this remark as International Women's Day was celebrated last night with poetry recitals and a street theatre skit at the Arab Park in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Asked to explain the choice of venue, Nora said the area is a hotspot for crime and is therefore significant to security - the theme of the event.

NONE "We want women to feel safe even walking alone in this area, because crime has become so bad that women are scared to walk alone," she said, calling on the authorities to strengthen public safety.

She also said that society often puts the blame on the victim, in particular women who are often deemed to have "asked for it".

This scenario was clearly depicted in a skit performed by young, talented theatre and mass communication students who are members of the Rumah Anak Teater.

Performed to an audience of predominantly younger people, the skit portrayed a victim who was chastised by members of the public after she had been robbed.

Her clothing, the way she looked, and the way she walked were reasons enough that she had ‘asked to be robbed' and that she was easy prey.

One participant, student Putri Gayatri Pertiwi from Holland, said she has only been in Malaysia for a month, but has already been cautioned by friends to be careful when walking alone at night.

For things to change, she said, there should be more measures to protecting women, as well as affirmative action towards equal opportunity.

The event hosted by Kartini Kamalul Ariffin and Rafidah Abdullah from 3R showcased a poetry recital and a speech by writer Dina Zaman.