Thousands of women have gathered in major cities across Australia to demand gender equality and justice for the victims of sexual assault.

The March 4 Justice rallies have been sparked by recent allegations of sexual assault, discrimination and misconduct in some of the country’s highest political offices.

One of the biggest marches is taking place in the capital of Canberra, where two petitions demanding action will be delivered to parliament.

Organisers have declined an invitation to meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison in private.

One of the women behind the March 4 Justice movement, Janine Hendry, said: “We’ve come to his front garden. We are 200m from his office and it’s not appropriate for us to meet behind closed doors especially when we are talking about sexual assault which does happen behind closed doors.”

Mr Morrison’s government has been overshadowed by historical rape allegations that have been made against Attorney General Christian Porter, who has strongly denied the alleged 1988 assault.