More than a thousand women have taken the feminist anthem "A Rapist In Your Way" into the streets of Chile's capital Santiago, performing the rallying cry sung in cities across the globe.

Created by a Chliean Feminist collective and first performed last month, the song slams violence against women
Created by a Chliean Feminist collective and first performed last month, the song slams violence against women AFP / Javier TORRES

Created by Chilean feminist collective Las Tesis and first performed last month, the song slams violence against women and is accompanied by dance moves.

In Chile, women are paid 15 percent less than men on average
In Chile, women are paid 15 percent less than men on average AFP / Javier TORRES

Those taking part often wear a black blindfold and a handkerchief tied around the neck.

At least 3,500 women were killed - victims of femicide - in South America in 2018
At least 3,500 women were killed - victims of femicide - in South America in 2018 AFP / Javier TORRES

"I am not the guilty one, not because of where I'm from or how I'm dressed," goes part of the chant.

"The rapist is you!" the women shout, flinging their arms forward to point in front of them.

More than a thousand women have take the feminist anthem "A Rapist In Your Way" into the streets of Chile's capital Santiago, performing the rallying cry sung in cities across the globe.
More than a thousand women have take the feminist anthem "A Rapist In Your Way" into the streets of Chile's capital Santiago, performing the rallying cry sung in cities across the globe. AFPTV / Pablo COZZAGLIO

Gathered in the city centre, some share their experiences of discrimination in a country where women are paid 15 percent less than men on average and pay up to two-thirds more for private health insurance.

"There's a lot of pain in these testimonies, there's a lot of wounds," says Sibila Sotomayor, one of the founders of Las Tesis, which was formed west of the capital in Valparaiso city.

"In some way that's what gives us this energy, but it hurts us too."

At least 3,500 women were killed -- victims of femicide -- in South America in 2018, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.