In Singapore, dozens of activists with black balloons taped to their shoulders weaved through a jam-packed foyer of a busy mall to draw attention of the passing shoppers.
At the blow of a whistle, the participants dramatically covered their mouths and froze. After a minute, they shouted in unison: “Shout! Sexual harassment out!” and then released the balloons.
The demonstration was welcomed by Lim Shu Li, 28, who took part after her own experience of sexual harassment.
“It was an uncomfortable situation but I didn’t dare to speak up about it at that time. So I thought this was a great message,” she told AFP.
In the Philippines, the day began with celebrity-led flashmob dances in a crowded Manila park and will be capped by a concert of local artists, with events from bazaars to dance shows at 25 sites throughout the day.
Rallies were also held in New Zealand’s capital Wellington and at Auckland’s Bastion Point, where a Maori elder led prayers before about 100 women and and children danced by the waterfront.
“We danced and sang and talked about cherishing women and loving our children,” organiser Helen Te Hira said.
“There was a real sense you were part of a world-wide movement that was taking a stand against violence.”
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