Women's rights activists react during a protest against gender violence in Istanbul on Nov. 25, 2018. (Photo: AFP)

ISTANBUL, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Turkish women marked on Sunday the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by gathering in central Istanbul to protest against male violence.

The protesters planned to hold a symbolic march on the iconic Istiklal Avenue, but were blocked by police.

Playing drums and chanting slogans, they shouted, "We are everywhere," "Women get rebellious," "We defend life."

"You will get used to seeing strong women who say 'no' to violence," said a young woman in the crowd.

"Violence has no type. I don't want women to get hurt," another added.

According to womenhomicide.com data, 337 women have been murdered by their male partners, husbands or family members this year across Turkey. Other platforms claim the figure is as high as 363.

"We are against all kinds of violence against women, not only the physical one but also the psychological one," said Fusun Demir, a woman with a master's degree in psychology.

"Independently from their education level, many women are subjected to violence once in their lifetime in this country," she said, urging women to raise their voices against violence.