
Happy Monday! Recently I shared on Instagram, that I would be attending the Women’s March. I was not able to go to the Women’s March last year, and I was extremely disappointed.
But this year I was excited to attend! I spent Saturday marching with over 100,000 women and allies. I really wanted to share my experience with you guys and why this march was so important to attend and to be part of for me.
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What is the Womenās March?
The Women’s MarchĀ was a worldwide protest which started on January 21, 2017, to advocate legislation and policies regarding human rights and other issues, includingĀ women’sĀ rights, immigration reform, healthcare reform, reproductive rights, the natural environment, LGBTQ rights, racial equality, freedom of religion, and workers’ rights. This movementĀ has continued in 2018 with a large push to elect more women into office and encourage people to register to vote.
Why is this so important?
This march is theĀ opportunity for people to come together collectively to have a voice about our rights, our healthcare and the values they feel are not being prioritized by those in office. It’s an opportunity for people to participate in their civic duty and feel heard about theirĀ concerns with the direction of the country. The only way we can impact change is to challenge the status quo ā and embrace the idea that all of us are created equal.
WHY ARE PEOPLE MARCHING
The best part of the march was everyone was there for a different reason but thoroughly united in one cause: equality and representation. Ā This march is about giving voice to those who have been silenced or frozen out from the system. That is why this march mattersĀ – it’s giving a voice to those who feel marginalized.
This march is a massive public demonstration about the values and the policies of our county. This is a march about all women and especially the overlooked women of color, indigenous women, and minority women. I saw people marching and signs in support of Indigenous Women, Black Live Matter, LGBT, Sexual Assault Victims,Ā People with Disabilities, Equal Pay for Equal Work, Healthcare rights, Womenās Rights, Planned Parenthood, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Paid Leave andĀ Abortion Rights.
Women and allies of women came together on Saturday to advocate for change against the constant double standard.Ā Women live with a double standard that impacts how we are paid, how we are treated, how we are taxed for products and even rights over our own bodies. The double standard is woven into every aspect of our lives and we aren’t having it anymore.Ā So women are marching for their voice to be heard and to protect their rights.
WHY I WENT TO THE MARCH
History is happening right in front of us and I want to be an active participant. I want my voice heard. I am frustated and concerned with the direction our country has taken. I went to this march because I felt I needed to do more than just complain or share an article on twitter. If I want to impact real change I need to get involved. So I marched andĀ wore red in support of Indigenous Women who lead the Seattle Women’s March.
I marched because I am frustrated with the status-quo. I am frustrated that women have to work 2.5Ā times harder to be recognized for the same achievements as men.Ā I have been discriminated against, sexually harassed, demeaned and paid less because of my gender. I march because it’s 2018 and I am paid 80 cents for every dollar my white male counterpart makes. The numbers are even worse for African-American and Hispanic women earningĀ 59 and 65 cents compared to the dollar earned by a male counterpart.Ā I march because while women make-up 50% of the population we only have 23% representation inĀ governmentĀ – and representation matters. It matters women are in these offices and meetings as policy and healthcareĀ decisions are being made. It matters that women are part of the conversations.Ā It’s time that woman lead those conversations.
I choose the wording of my signs very deliberatelyĀ because while many focused on Trumps or the GOP, and as funny as those signs are – for me this is bigger than one party or one individual.Ā We have found our voice and I really want to focus on the positivity of that – that we are all united.Ā I also want to call out thatĀ I am very aware marching is a privilege that many are not able to do because they have to work or have no childcare options.
What’s Next for the Women’s March?
This isnāt a flash in the pain movement ā this is about transformative change at every level of the government so that 50% of the current population is represented in policy creation and changes. Women’s March is focused on #PowertothePolls. They want people to get out and register to vote in 2018. 2018 will be a big election year and a lot of opportunities to elect women and allies that understand promoting diversity and equality. Get Her ElectedĀ and She Should Run are new organizations focused on getting women elected to positions of leadership. No matter what cause you feel passionate about I urge you to get out, get active and vote!
Did you go to the Women’s March?? What motivated you to attend??
Share your experience with me below in the commentsā
Thank you whitney for marching!!! I marched last year and this year, St. Louis wasnāt organized! Your statement and Voice is powerful. I know how proud your mom and dad must be of you!!! Thank you thank you!
Wish I could have gone to one, I think itās amazing! Really important to be active in todayās political climate.
You are a badass! Happy to see you marching!
Love the turn out. I wish I could have gone here in DC. Thanks for doing it on all our behalf.
ā„ tanvii.com
Love your coat-your outfit is so cute!
XOXO
Cathy
So great that you were able to attend the Womens March this past weekend. I sadly could not attend the one in the Bay Area. But I love what you had to say about the cause!
Wow! I bet that was such an amazing experience. Thank you for being a voice.
It was so interesting to read your perspective on the Women’s March! Thanks for sharing!
that’s amazing that you went to the women’s march this year babe! the turn out looked awesome too. xo, sharon
Nice! Thank you for including the pay difference between race and saying that it’s bigger than one person. I feel like that’s why some people have been disheartened? by the March. But I hope those fighting for women will get big wins this year!!
Happy to see you marching. Your coats looks amazing! I also love the signs that you carry! Very inspiring to all women.
Thanks for sharing, I loved hearing your perspective! Thank you for marching!
Loved your sign too!
Kileen
cute & little
This is so awesome! I wish I could have attended our march this year, but I am hoping to go next year. Love the sign that you made!
Yes girl! I would have marched in Nashville but it was a close friends birthday. Thanks for representing females!
Super awesome that you got to attend this! Loving your outfit too:)
xoxo, Hannah
SO amazing you were able to go to this. Such a great event.
It’s so impressive how large the marches were again this year. Thank you for representing our voices!
So many people attended! Love your boots!!!
Thank you for mentioning your support for Indigenous women.
It’s important to remember the true meaning of these marches – glad you documented your day there.
Iām sure this was an amazing experience and I love your all ā red get up!
That’s awesome that you attended! Wish I could have!
xo, Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
Such an inspiring march and how wonderful that you got to be a part of it š
This is such an amazing cause! Good for you for standing up for something to important! You’re inspiring to me!
Kyla
wanderlustkyla.com