Human rights activist and author Yasmine Mohammed says the reaction by some Islamic fundamentalists to International Women's Day shows there is a real problem in the Muslim world with "the inequality of men and women".

Over the past couple days, a series of rallies in Pakistan, which marked International Women's Day were marred by violence as rocks, shoes and mud were thrown at the participants.

Commenting on the issue, Ms Mohammed told Sky News what was seen in Pakistan reflects "a pretty sad situation".

"We talk a lot about patriarchy and misogyny in the western world but if we really want to see clear examples of patriarchy and misogyny then all we have to do is turn our gaze to the Muslim majority world," she said.

Ms Mohammad said the men who pelted those women with rocks don't want them to "have any sense of empowerment".

Image: Getty