Police and protesters clash in Mexico City during Women's Day

A group of protesters clashed with police on Sunday as thousands took to the streets to mark International Women's Day on Sunday with calls to end exploitation and increase equality.

Tensions marred part of the celebration and some clashed with police while housewives, students and mothers with small children on their shoulders took to the streets of Mexico City wearing purple shirts, bandannas and hats.

They carried signs saying "We are the heart of those that no longer beat" and "I'm marching today so that I don't die tomorrow."

Bands of masked women smashed windows, lit fires and spray-painting messages on buildings.

Many in the crowd cheered at the sight of vandals spraying messages like "We're fed up."