A small gathering of women in Washington quickly transformed into a global phenomenon following the inauguration of President Trump on January 23. Women and men in cities including Sydney, Berlin, London, Paris, Nairobi and Cape Town marched along with the thousands of individuals located in cities nationwide. This march urged women to stand up and express the need for equal treatment. Issues including; abortion, equal pay, and fundamental rights were highlighted during the march. A celebrity presence and condoned speakers contributed to this event.
Many are saying that due to the global acknowledgement and historical turnout, the Women’s March might be the start of a serious social movement. This march was the largest protest in history, and although the numbers have died down, protests have not stopped. Women continue to raise signs and awareness every day.
The students and faculty of Newtown High School continue to stay involved in political events especially the Women’s March. Many individuals marched on Washington, or took to social media with their opinion.
“My experience at the Women’s March was definitely unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I had never protested for anything but after this march I want to be an activist for everything. I truly feel like it was such a privilege to be surrounded by thousands of other men and women who hold so much passion for issues that I also have concern for,” NHS senior Jessie Cruz said.
After marching on Washington, NHS senior Jaden Albrecht spoke about her hopes for the future. “I would love to continue spreading awareness about women’s rights. The Women’s March was a huge step in the right direction, and I’ve since joined Planned Parenthood, donated, and I hope to continue advocating in anyways I can.” Albrecht said.
However, it is important to remember that not all women feel threatened by Trump at this point in his presidency. Many women believe in equality between the genders, but do not support certain social issues including abortion.
A week following the Women’s March three women from Florida, Indiana and California hope to channel the energy from last week's march into a movement. They home to do this by creating a global committee that meets and discusses future plans. Those who participated in the march are already taking steps in continuing the message. A Facebook group encourages individuals to take action and creates a sense of unity. In addition, many people have changed their Facebook profile pictures to spread awareness and give the march even more media attention.
“Even though I was not able to directly participate in the march I was in tune with all that was happening. I showed my support by retweeting activists and listening to each speaker. I think that even if you can’t march it’s important to express your opinion anyway you can. I hope to attend the next event,” NHS senior Grace Walter said.
The speakers of the march and the celebrities who participated continue to have a voice by being active on social media.
“My favorite speakers were either America Ferrera, who spoke about unity and helping each other in times of struggle, or Ashley Judd, who recited a poem called ‘Nasty,”’ Cruz said.
After the executive order was made by President Trump stating that there would be no federal money can go towards organizations that provide services for abortion overseas, the activism for women’s rights sparked. In combination with the Women’s March and this event, the fight continues and just grows stronger.
“The march pushed me to be even more involved in my rights along with any other that are at a risk with our new president. I home to attend any future marches for similar issues and continue to protest. Hopefully by spreading my experiences people around me can also become motivated to use their voices for women’s rights,” Cruz said.
“The Women's March helped me to understand various ways I can exercise my voice by providing me with contacts for and connections with those invested in political action. I feel it's very important that people on both sides of any issue listen respectfully to the points and concerns of one another. I have started to and will continue to email and call elected officials in order to express opinions on issues that matter most to me. I've attended local political meetings to become more knowledgeable about issues and to better understand how citizens can effectively influence politicians,” NHS English teacher Sayward Parsons said.
Supporters agree that there is a lot of work to be done in order to achieve what they want and reach the goals of women. As the weeks go on following the inauguration it will be interesting to see how this movement continues, and if another gathering happens in the near future.
The next goals have been publicly expressed. These goals include reaching out and inspiring the younger generation as well as expanding the message and true meaning behind the values of this movement.
"I hope to lead my daughters by example, teaching them how to respectfully disagree while advocating for positive change. I'd like them to grow up feeling as though that their voices matter in this country, their views and experiences are valued, and that they can use the privileges they have to advocate for those who do not have access to those same privileges,” Parsons said.
Image Courtesy of The New York Times