Guwahati, Oct. 8 -- A mass gathering of women was held in Shillong to protest crimes against women, domestic violence and patriarchal attitudes. The protesters questioned the assumption that Meghalaya's matrilineal social system by itself guarantees equality or protects women from gender-based violence.

The demonstration also addressed women's freedom to dress as they choose and concerns about their safety in public places.

Placards and slogans at the gathering included "Come one, come all, watch patriarchy fall", "Matrilineal on the street, patriarchy in the sheets", "It's a dress, not our yes", "One in six married women in Meghalaya faces domestic physical or sexual violence", "Momo, chow, fried rice, men are full of lies" and "Ek kac...