European women join chorus for change

Women in Europe and Australia have marched against President Donald Trump and sexual harassment and inequality in general with more marches expected in the US.

Women march in central London

Women in the UK, EU and Australia have marched against sexual harassment and gender inequality. (AAP)

Thousands of people on two continents have picked up the baton from the US and rallied in solidarity with women demanding equality, justice and an end to sexual harassment.

Demonstrations in London, Paris, Sydney and other European and Australian cities on Sunday followed much larger women's marches held on Saturday across the US to mark the anniversary of President Donald Trump's inauguration, as well as the protests it inspired.

In the British capital, demonstrators carried placards reading "We Are Powerful" and "Time's Up" and chanted outside Prime Minister Theresa May's office as they raised grievances ranging from workplace inequities to misogynistic abuse on social media.

"Today is a call for action to bring about change," London protest co-organiser Shola Mos-Shogbamimu said. "This is so much more than Trump."

The London event drew thousands of people despite sleet and snow.

Heavy rain fell on the protesters who gathered near the Eiffel Tower, which could have been a factor in the small number of participants compared with the US marches on Saturday.

"It doesn't matter if the weather is like this," Maggie Kan, who was one of the more than 100 people who didn't let the rain and cold deter them. "We're still coming together, and we're going to still fight against Trump and his agenda."

The international events come at a time of reckoning for many men in Hollywood, the media and other industries as women speak out about sexual misconduct and inequity in general. More are scheduled to take place in the US on Sunday.

They will culminate in a Las Vegas rally that will launch an effort to register a million voters and target swing states in the US midterm elections later this year, which could shift control of congress.

"I think last year was that watershed moment of President Trump's election," said Melissa Goffin, the march organiser in Melbourne. "It's a new era of feminism."

Those who took part in this year's events said they were galvanised by an avalanche of political and gender issues over the past year, as well as the (hashtag) MeToo movement, which has been credited with countering widespread sexual abuse and misconduct.

Trump dismissed the suggestion that his presidency has been bad for women. He tweeted onSaturday that it was a "perfect day" for women to march to celebrate the "economic success and wealth creation" of his first year in office.


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Source: AAP


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