In pictures: Chile students protest against harassment

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A woman takes part in a march to demand "non-sexist" education and to protest against the slow pace of educational reform in Santiago, on June 6, 2018.Image source, AFP

Thousands of people have marched through the Chilean capital, Santiago, to protest against sexual harassment and sexist behaviour in universities and schools.

Schoolchildren can be seen taking part in a march against sexism in SantiagoImage source, EPA

The march saw schoolchildren joining students to demand an end to "institutionalised sexism" and violence against women on campuses and in schools.

It is the latest in a string of protests since April, when allegations of sexual abuse by members of faculty and students first surfaced at a number of Chilean universities.

Demonstrators wear masks during a march demanding an end to sexism and gender violence in Santiago, Chile June 6, 2018.Image source, Reuters

Many of the participants donned colourful masks and there was a party atmosphere for much of the march.

Demonstrators surround a police vehicle during a march demanding an end to sexism and gender violence in Santiago, Chile June 6, 2018Image source, Reuters

But the message the protesters wanted to get across was a serious one. Many held up signs reading: "Machismo kills".

In 2017, 43 women were killed by their partners in incidents of domestic violence, according to Chile's ministry of women and gender equality.

The number was up from 34 the previous year.

A woman holds a sign that reads "machismo kills" during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, 06 June 2018.Image source, EPA
A group of women cover their faces during a demonstration in Santiago, Chile, 06 June 20Image source, EPA
A demonstrator lies on the ground during a march demanding an end to sexism and gender violence in Santiago, Chile June 6, 2018Image source, Reuters

For the past month, female students have occupied dozens of universities demanding allegations of sexual harassment be investigated and punished.

They are also calling for mandatory gender-equality training for students and faculty.

Students of the conservative Universidad Catolica take part in an occupation of the university demanding an end to sexism and gender violence in Santiago, Chile May 25, 2018.Image source, Reuters

President Sebastián Piñera recently announced measures to combat sexism, but the students say they do not go far enough. They insist that the occupations and marches are the only way to make their voices heard.

The march was largely peaceful but there were isolated clashes with police which organisers blamed on anarchists who they said had infiltrated the event.

Demonstrators clash with the police during a protest in Santiago, Chile, 06 June 2018Image source, EPA

The marches were the latest in what some observers say is a feminist wave sweeping through the mainly Catholic country.

A student marches to demand "non-sexist" education and to protest against the slow pace of educational reform in Santiago, on June 6, 201Image source, AFP

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