Zurich, June 17 (RHC)-- Despite being one of world's richest countries, Switzerland maintains discriminatory and violent practices against women.

Thousands of Swiss women took to the streets over the weekend to protest inequality in the work place.  "There are still many inequalities that we must change.  Women have been fighting for equality and things are moving, but too slowly," Stephanie, a 25-year teacher, said.  S and explained that the Swiss culture still preserves many features of "sexism and prejudice against women."

In the labor markets of the European country, which is one of the world's richest nations and managed to achieve a $80,188 per capita production in 2017, men earn 12 percent more than women, a figure which increases up to 18.5 percent in "greater responsibility" positions, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Concentrations, marches and sit-ins, which multiplied by the dozens across the country, used the color violet to represent their gender-equality demands.  The demonstrations began early in the day in Lausanne, a city where more than a hundred women gathered to light the "fire of joy," a bonfire in which they burned objects that promote discrimination.

In Zurich, the country's largest city, a giant clitoris was strolled through the streets on a chariot pulled by women, while hundreds of protesters staged sit-ins on the main thoroughfares, blocking the circulation of buses and trams.