March 8, International Women's Day, is celebrated by all women of the world. Demonstrations and protests are held around the world.

Protesters draw attention to inequality around the world. Especially in countries such as Iran and Afghanistan, oppression, sexual harassment and violence against women are on the agenda of women.

Women gathered to march in Pakistan's major cities under tight security. Organizers said the demonstrations were aimed at seeking rights guaranteed by the constitution. Last year, some conservative groups threatened to forcibly stop similar marches.

It has taken an important place in the protests on the first women's day celebrated since the ban on abortion in some states of the USA.

Hundreds of protesters from various women's groups in the Philippines marched in Manila for higher wages and decent work.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated this week that women's rights are "exploited, threatened and violated" around the world, and that gender equality will not be achieved for another 300 years given the current pace of change. Guterres said decades of progress had been destroyed by "the opposition of patriarchy".

Women's rights activists in Japan held a small rally to reiterate demands for the government to allow married couples to continue using different surnames. According to the Civil Code of 1898, a couple must take the "husband or wife's surname" at the time of marriage.

In other countries of the world, women continue to demand their rights.