The growing global movement of women rising against oppression reached downtown Kuala Lumpur today, as 150 people marched to call for gender equality and rights.

"Destroy rape culture! Destroy oppression of women! Patriarchy pergi mati! (Death to patriarchy!)" shouted the rally participants as they marched from Sogo to Masjid Jamek.

The march, which included both women and men of all ages, was held in conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8.

The participants had five demands, namely the elimination of gender discrimination; an end to rape culture and sexual violence; equal opportunities and wages; strengthening women's participation in politics and democracy for all; and stopping the destruction of the environment.

The march saw women speak out against a culture where men took advantage, abused, or harassed them.

One of those whom the women spoke out against were Perak PAS information chief Wan Tarmizi Abd Aziz who had suggested that wives should gift their husbands with another wife to celebrate International Women's Day.

“Women are not gifts! Regardless of any religion, Muslim or Non-Muslim. Women have the right to decide,” said Majidah Hashim (photo), a representative from Sisters in Islam (SIS).

Meanwhile, one of the rally participants who wished to be known as Reen, said women being pressured into having sex was also something that needed to be addressed.

“We know that a lot of girls are struggling with saying ‘No’ to their partners.

“They also have to give consent even though they don’t want it,” she told Malaysiakini.

Harassment and belittlement of female journalists were also raised during the rally by Gerakan Media Merdeka representative Yiswaree Palansamy (photo).

“We are just doing our jobs, we just want to be given the platform to show that, we are worth it, and we are equally competitive,” she said.

The one and half hour rally ended at 11.30am without incident.

However, there are reports that a group of women were harassed near the Dang Wangi district police headquarters after the rally.

Women’s March committee member Yuva Balan said the women were walking to their cars when they were approached by a group of people who snatched away their placards and "verbally abused them".

He said the antagonisers also threatened to lodge a police report against the women. It is understood that the women are themselves lodging a report on the incident.

Malaysiakini is gathering more information about the incident.