Asia-Pacific: Demonstrations likely in several countries and territories to mark International Women's Day March 8

Women's rights activists and supporters will likely hold protests in countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region ahead of, during, and in the days after the 113th anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8. Although most demonstrations are typically small, some can draw thousands of people, particularly in South and Southeast Asian cities.

Organizers have announced or typically hold demonstrations in the following cities:

• Melbourne, Australia: Activists plan to gather at State Library of Victoria and Queen Victoria Women's Centre 17:30-19:30 March 7.

• Newcastle, Australia: The Union of Australian Women NSW and the Hunter Workers Women’s Committee will rally 10:00-12:00 March 9 at Gregson Park.

• Sydney, Australia: Protesters from several unions, including the Public Service Association of New South Wales and Community and Public Sector Union, plan to gather at Town Hall from 11:00 March 9.

• Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Approximately 20 civil society groups will gather at Freedom Park to call for the release of female activists allegedly imprisoned for their anti-government stance; organizers expect 500 participants.

• Jakarta, Indonesia: Activists from women's empowerment organization FAMM Indonesia will gather outside the Indonesian General Election Supervisory Agency office in Menteng 07:00, to protest policies by President Joko Widodo's administration perceived to discriminate and impoverish women.

• Tokyo, Japan: Supporters will hold a protest march from the square in front of the United Nations University to Jingu-dori Park from 17:30; approximately 300 activists participated in previous rallies.

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Activists from Women’s March Malaysia (WMMY) plan to march from SOGO Kuala Lumpur Shopping Centre to Independence Square 09:00 March 9; while police initially denied the permit for the rally, they accepted the notice of assembly March 4.

• Pakistan: Activists will gather 14:00 at Lahore Press Club, and 14:30 at Frere Hall in Karachi; demonstrations are also likely at major intersections and press club buildings in major cities, including Hyderabad, Islamabad, Multan, Quetta, and Sukkur.

• Laguna, Philippines: Key women's group organizations will gather at Carabao Park in University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) from 10:00.

• Metro Manila, Philippines: National women's associations, led by GABRIELA, will hold protest marches across the capital from 10:00; while protest locations are not immediately clear, activists previously gathered outside Malacanang Palace and Quirino Grandstand.

• Daejeon, South Korea: Several groups, including Daejeon Civil Society Group Solidarity, Daejeon Women's Violence Relief Center/Facility Council, and Daejeon People Power, will rally at Eunhasu Intersection in Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu in the evening; previous related rallies occured at Daejeon City Hall.

• Seoul, South Korea: A series of events, such as booths, memorial ceremony, and rally will be held at Cheonggye Plaza 11:30-18:30; several women's groups will hold a meeting in front of Bosingak (bell pavilion) in Jongno at 12:20; pro-Palestinian activists from Workers' Solidarity Youth and Student Group will rally at Kyobo Bookstore in Gwanghwamun in solidarity with Palestinian women from 17:00.

Additional unannounced International Women's Day observances and rallies are possible in cities regionwide, especially South Asia. Protests could occur at government buildings and other prominent venues.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely at most demonstrations. Rallies will probably be peaceful, but police could break up some protests due to breach of order or crackdowns on dissent. Some unrest is possible in countries where large divides exist between liberals and conservatives. Notably, Women's Day gatherings in Pakistan have courted controversy for their purported anti-Islamic stance in promoting acceptance of gender and sexual minorities, criticism of socio-religious norms governing women, as well as support for anti-governmental activists and other ethnic and religious minorities such as Balochis and Hazaras. Previous events were met with counterprotests by certain conservative political groups and/or religious organizations; state authorities in Islamabad allegedly ordered participants celebrating the event to disperse and turn off their sound systems. Violent crackdowns are also likely in Afghanistan, where small protests involving dozens of activists may gather in major cities like Kabul; authorities have dispersed previous rallies through mass arrests, usage of stun guns, and water cannons.