Passion Parade: Demanding their space and rights

Text and pix by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"Stop Rape" immediately protesters chanted

Protest before pouring

“A Promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women”, was the theme for the International Women’s Day, that fell on March 8^th with the theme for this year being “Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum”.

Women from the United States organized the first women’s day in 1908, but to a special day to celebrate their contribution to the world, and to focus on their specific issues came through an official declaration in Copenhagen, Denmark during the second International Socialist Women’s Conference. The day had been dedicated, and celebrated ever since. Thousands of women marched to demand voting rights, and eight hours of work.

This year, two separate protests were held in Colombo to mark the International Women’s Day, organized by Free Women (Frontline Socialist Party), and Women for Rights. Women’s rights activists gathered to demand for their delivery of justice on time, and to end violence against women, shouting slogans, carrying creative banners, displays and placards.

Protest against Violence Against Women

Creative display of migrant women going to the Middle East to work

"Don't; Don't; Don't abuse women" protesters chanted

Placard at protest

Display by Free Women

Protester against VRO

"A Society with LOVE" sensible and timely banner by Free Women

"Men! stop raping women" protesters chanted

Protester with a creative corn with "Stop Rape" message

Drawing of Rizana Nafeek's execution at International Women's Day protest

"Don't abuse women for cheaper labour" protesters chanted

"Airport" reads text in Sinhala, drawing depicting the women migrant workers going and returning in body bag

Preparing to Protest


Protesters carrying drawings of Former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and Rizana Nafeek Protesters rallying around Lipton Circus Women protest with many messages as drawings