This past Saturday, as the world watched, hundreds of thousands of women marched in Washington D.C. in the Women’s March on Washington, and hundreds of thousands more marched in sister events across the world. I was fortunate enough to witness this historic event in person during Vancouver’s own march, and am super excited to share my experience, and also my criticisms.
As a resident in Canada, I had heard my fair share of, “Why is there a march protesting another country’s president? Why should we care?” during the last couple weeks. While this march was certainly in partial response to the U.S. election results, the main purpose of the event was to shed light on the issues that women face and that are often ignored or trampled on by lawmakers around the world. This march was so much more than one election. The election may have been the spark, but the issues highlighted during this march have been felt for far longer and deserve attention.
When I got on the bus to go downtown to Jake Poole Plaza on Saturday morning, I had no idea how massive this event would truly be. As we neared downtown, the bus was soon standing room only, and it was no coincidence that women accounted for at least 90% of the passengers. Once I was off the bus, the crowd was already so large that I could not make it anywhere near the stage – which meant I could barely hear the speakers.
The energy of the crowd was amazing. Everyone was truly ‘fired up and ready to go’. People were getting to know those around them, everyone was complimenting each other on their creative posters, and kind strangers were handing out their own signs to others. As someone not happy about the election results, and as a U.S. citizen scared for the future of my country, it was comfortable for a moment to know that so many people were together in solidarity. It didn’t feel so lonely anymore.
The March shut down multiple streets in downtown Vancouver and led us to Trump’s new tower. To be honest, booing the tower was a great relief of stress. My favourite part of the march, though, was seeing all the signs. The creativity in the crowd was inspiring!
With such large-scale event, there are always faults and ways to improve. If any event is to be a truly intersectional, feminist event, the voices of marginalized women should be centered first and foremost. As the new U.S. results will disproportionately impact already marginalized communities, this centering should have been of primary importance. As Black Lives Matter Vancouver has addressed in a statement, their organization was not invited to speak at the event. Although I was happy to see marchers supporting the Black Lives Matter movement during the march, I was bothered that the event did not put in the effort to include Black Lives Matter Vancouver or trans individuals. Fortunately, the organizers have now issued an apology, and it is my hope that any events going forward will do everything possible to be inclusive and to create space for marginalized voices.
Moving forward, I hope that the energy fostered on Saturday does not subside, and that women, and their allies, will continue the fight through direct action and attention to intersectionality. A difficult journey is ahead, but not one we cannot handle together.