On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 history unfolded in front of our very own eyes. Women (and men) across the globe took part in one of the largest movements ever seen in the 21st century, the Women’s March on Washington.
The Washington rally expected an estimate of 200,000 marchers but surpassed that, attracting over 500,000 people according to D.C. officials. The turnout in major cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Paris, Prague, London, Mexico City and Sydney (as well as the remaining 664 marches) led to over 4 million registered marchers total.
The inspiration for these marches came from the political undertones tied to the election of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States. Various issues were addressed throughout this march including minority equality, immigration, LGBTQ rights, abortion, climate change, but mainly women’s rights.
Well-known public figures and celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Scarlett Johannsson, Gloria Steinem, America Ferrera, and Madonna made special appearances and vocalized their concerns for the future of this country. As people flocked the streets with their witty posters and their “Pussy Hats” (a pink knitted beanie project with means to make visual statements for women right’s activists), the message of the Women’s March spread like wildfire across media.
During the 1960s peaceful protests and marches for civil rights eventually led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 the Voting Rights Act of 1964. As we progress into the next 4 years under a new President, we shouldn’t forget how much power our voices have. With an iconic event like the Women’s March successfully capturing the attention of the world, it’s no secret that women will be rewriting history with our first amendment rights.