Students, groups march for women’s rights at One Billion Rising event

Students, women's groups, workers' groups, urban poor organizations, and men in support of women took to the streets of Manila on Wednesday to protest gender-based violence and discrimination.

Students of St. Scholastica's College make a "number one" gesture as they dance to take part in the One Billion Rising global movement in Manila on February 14, 2018, to coincide with Valentine's Day. Ted Aljibe/AFP

More than 3,000 students participated as part of the campaign, calling for an end of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children. Ted Aljibe/AFP

At the event organized by the One Billion Rising campaign, thousands marched from the Philippine General Hospital to Remedios Circle, where bands performed and the crowd danced and listened to fervent speeches calling for an end to impunity and violence.

Speakers from the Gabriela Women's Party, which has called President Rodrigo Duterte a "macho-fascist" for his remark that female rebels should be shot in their genitals, clearly and forcefully castigated him from the stage, in front of which an effigy of the president was placed.

The event was also highlighted by more festive performances and dances.

On her Facebook page, actress and One Billion Rising global director Monique Wilson also shared posts about similar events taking place around the world and across the Philippines, including Davao City and Iloilo.

The name "One Billion Rising" comes from the United Nations and World Health Organization's estimate that one out of three women are sexually and/or physically assaulted at some point in their lives.

The movement was established in 2012 by "Vagina Monologues" playwright Eve Ensler, who on Tuesday issued a message affirming solidarity with Filipinas and lambasting Duterte's "macho tyranny." — BM, GMA News