Women are taking a stand on Jan 21. And people of all genders and backgrounds will be marching with them in solidarity around the world.
Along with the main Women’s March on Washington, nearly 300 “sister marches” are set to take place the day after President Elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn into office. According to a press release, more than 1 million people could come out to march globally.
“This is not an anti-Trump protest,” said sister march spokeswoman Tina Cassidy in an interview with Lady Freethinker. “While the rhetoric of the campaign season deeply troubled us, we gather to offer a statement affirming our shared humanity and the fundamental rights that spring from it.”
Each person has their unique reasons for marching, but the mission of the movement is to gather in solidarity to demonstrate that social and human rights issues are deeply important to all. Organizers of the marches have laid out their official policy platform, which describes the movement’s progressive and inclusive stance.
“Many Americans fear that their voices will be lost,” Cassidy said. “Specifically on issues that impact women’s rights, immigrant rights, worker rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, environmental rights, rights for all races, and religious freedom.”
There’s at least one march planned in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 55 global cities on 6 continents — including Paris, Sydney, Tokyo and more.
The grassroots movement was started with a single post on social media the day following the election. It’s since gathered support from several organizations, including Planned Parenthood and Amnesty International.
Currently, more than 250,000 people have said they will be attending the march in Washington, D.C; 62,000 people will be marching in Los Angeles, and 39,000 in New York City.
“Everyone is welcome,” Cassidy said.
People can find more information about the marches in their area here.
Those who are unable to march can still contribute. Funds raised will go towards expenses such as insurance, and sound and supplies for staging.
