On Saturday, October 17th, 2020, thousands of protestors gathered at women’s marches across the country. With so many different issues to protest; President Donald Trump’s handling of Covid-19, the ever-present attack on reproductive rights, and now the potential confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, these marches were significant in today’s political climate. Organized by Aimee Robertson-West, Muncie was one of 350 women’s marches nationwide. As a passionate feminist and activist myself, I attended with the goal to show my support for progressive politics that bolster women and to learn about how I can help make a difference.
Located in front of the Delaware County building, the “march” (it was a stationary protest instead of a march) drew a large crowd and featured many speakers. Several of these speakers were local and state female political candidates who are running campaigns that focus on gender and racial inequality. There was a continuous respect of mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines and the speakers articulated issues in our world today that they are passionate about. One of the most moving speakers discussed her experience with child protective services and the ongoing fight she is engaging in to protect her son from his abusive father. There was a common theme of hope for the future, however, and all of the speakers reminded attendees of the necessity of voting. As a political science major myself, it was inspiring to see strong, “nasty” women fighting for a seat at the table where they can enact long-lasting positive change.
It is obvious that the political climate in America right now is nothing short of nasty. President Trump has enabled white supremacy, racism, and gender equality to pervade all aspects of society, and his blatant ignorance of the Covid-19 pandemic has created a perfect storm of revolution. The Black Lives Matter protests have reminded us that we have not achieved racial equality, prompting us to understand the importance of having diverse representation in all levels of government. The Women’s March itself is vital, as the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has given President Trump the opportunity to replace her with someone that will close every door she opened, Amy Coney Barrett. The reproductive rights of women and the equality of all minority groups in America are in danger, which is why it is necessary that we mobilize and fight this nomination. How can America call itself a democracy if the majority of the population still faces discrimination every day?
Almost every speaker discussed the importance of the next generation, our generation. I am honored to be a part of a generation that has risen up and taken to the streets to fight for their beliefs. Champions of acceptance, Generation Z struggles every day to achieve equality, utilizing modern social media platforms to spread their message. Movements like the Women’s March are spaces for the younger and older generations to join together to remind the world that we will not be silenced. As a young woman invested in politics, I hope that any success I have in government in the future won’t be revolutionary, but rather the norm. I don’t want to be known as successful because of my gender, but because of ideas and passion. It is for that reason that I will take every opportunity I get to fight for equality in America. The Muncie Women’s March proved that change can happen in any small town or big city across the country, just as long as you have people who are impassioned enough to make it happen.