A march of protest to demand equal employment opportunities, "50-50" and an end to domestic violence and other barriers to women's development was held yesterday to mark this year's International Day of the Woman.

The group, some 500 women and several dozen men strong, included civil society groups, community groups, feminist organizations, schools and individuals. Carryings signs and marching through streets in the Santo Domingo East district the group caused traffics jams and prompted cheering by other women watching along the route.

An event honouring immortalized Dominican women including the Mirabal sisters, Salomé Ureña, Juana Saltitopa and Abigail Mejía as well as other patriots, regardless of gender, who fought for equal rights was held at the end of the march.

Also marking the occasion was the decoration fo 30 outstanding women by President Leonel Fernandez in the National Palace.