International Women's Day rally kicks off in Van

The International Working Women's Day rally in Van has begun. Hundreds of women took to the streets in the city and reached the meeting point.

The rally organized by the Free Women's Movement (TJA) and Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Women's Assembly with the slogan "We defend life against massacre of women, freedom against isolation" started in Van as part of 8 March International Women's Day.

The rally area in Musa Anter Park in Ipekyolu, was decorated with purple and white balloons. On the stage a huge banner saying "Our rebellion is for our freedom!" was hung.

Women from many cities, including Ağrı, Kars, Iğdır and Hakkari, started to come to the area for the rally. Women MPs, including HDP Women's Assembly Spokesperson Ayşe Acar Başaran, also arrived, wearing traditional local clothes.

Koma Deşta Gever played music while women began dancing and chanting slogans.

HDP member Ayşe Acar Başaran will give a speech, and artist Pınar Aydınlar is expected to take the stage.