In Asia thousands took to the streets for International Women’s Day on Sunday even as the coronavirus outbreak forced the cancellation of events in the region.

The epicentre of the Virus China has seen more than 3,500 people killed and infected over 100,000 worldwide — state broadcaster CCTV highlighted the work of female medical workers on the frontlines in the fight against the virus.

Despite the spreading fears over the worsening epidemic, marches went ahead in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines while women rallied in ultra-conservative Pakistan demanding “freedom”.

A women’s marathon planned in India was postponed over virus concerns as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said prominent women would run his social media accounts for the day

In South Korea, where more than 7,000 virus infections make it the hardest hit country outside China, several events were cancelled.

“Although we can’t be physically together, our minds for realising Gender Equality are stronger than ever,” the country’s gender equality minister Lee Jung-Ok said in a video message.

Many feminist groups held online campaigns instead of street marches, using hashtags such as #FemaleStrike, #PowerUp and #38InternationalWomensDay to raise awareness of gender inequality.

In Bangkok, protesters called for improved labour protections amid the epidemic that has infected dozens in Thailand, and greater rights under a military-aligned government.

But turnout was lower than last year with organisers saying some had stayed away because of Virus Fears.

Hundreds of women and men rallied in the Philippine capital Manila, burning a giant effigy of President Rodrigo Duterte who they accuse of misogyny — to mark the day.

Joms Salvador of women’s group Gabriela told AFP “the violence and poverty among women are getting worse.”

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