Supporters stand in solidarity for the Women’s March on Washington along Mayor Magrath Drive in Lethbridge on Jan. 21.
A grassroots movement that swept the nation last weekend sent a message to human rights critics that discrimination will not be tolerated.
As last year’s US Presidential race came to an end with Donald Trump winning the election, the avid hopes of having the first female President were replaced by uncertainty.
As the US population inaugurated the new President on Jan. 20, the next day the Trump administration was about to get a heads up.
The Women’s March on Washington took place on a Saturday afternoon in Washington, DC and basically every city in North America.
Even in our own city, supporters stood in solidarity with those south of the border to set a precedence against those who question citizen rights and freedoms.
Shannan Little one of the event facilitators said, “Women’s rights are human rights and were here in support of that and to say loudly and clearly that discrimination will not be tolerated.”
The event was said to have drawn one million protestors in the US Capital and another five million world-wide.
The speakers and activists that came out and had something to say were of almost every nationality, profession, sexuality and background.
They (women and citizens) are fighting for basic human rights.
To show their support marchers wore pink knitted beanie hats called “pussy hats” in response to Trump’s comments about “grabbing (a woman) by the pussy.”
A phrase that would send an alarming warning during Trump’s campaign to what they could expect from someone who says such things.
The streets were overtaken by mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives including those that loved them and would protect them, standing as one for all.
As people from around the world watched on television and through social media posts, they couldn’t deny that this was huge.
The news media covering the events said police were taken off guard by the sheer number, yet it remained peaceful, respectful and inclusive to all.
To keep the movements momentum going, a new campaign was started called 10 Actions for the first 100 Days.
This encourages supporters to remain active by doing something every 10 days by getting together with fellow citizens to make history by creating change.
The first action is to send a postcard to the nearest US Senator and let them know what is their most important issue and how they are going to fight for it.
For those who would like to get involved, go to #WhyIMarch or womensmarch.com for more information.
In a world where leaders are elected, appointed, replaced or reinstated this movement is here to remind the people that they have the power.
“Let us fight with love, faith and courage so that our families will not be destroyed. I want to tell the children not to be afraid, because we are not alone.
‘There are still many people that have their hearts filled with love. Let’s keep together and fight for the rights. God is with us.” said Sophie Cruz, 6-year-old immigration activist.
There were those who questioned this movement with why, but for that question the answer from over six-million-people who came out was, because they can.