Jan. 21 became a historic date as the Women’s March on Washington took place in D.C. and across the globe. According to the official website, the purpose of the Women’s March on Washington was to “stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety and our families—recognizing our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
No arrests were made in marches across the United States. Crowds did not gather to incite violence. In fact, the site says the crowds came together “in the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore.”
Over the last few days, after seeing the result of “political connoisseurs” gathered to rage against the Women’s March via social media, I need to know something.
To the ones who say the march is pointless: Did you forget that marching was the sole reason women can now vote? Did you forget that in 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention paved the way to the change of the “social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of woman?” Did you forget that change was made in this country because the voices of people calling for change was heard?
Somebody’s wife, sister, aunt, mother or daughter marched in solidarity with the United States. Voices were heard around the nation and alliances were established across the globe. In this new era of the presidency, many are fearful for what comes next. Many women fear for their rights and abilities to make choices in all aspects of life.
Womensmarch.com reads: “The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized and threatened many of us—immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBTQ+, native people, black and brown people, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault —and our communities are hurting and scared.”
One voice is powerful, but together voices can initiate change in a nation and change in the world. History has seen change come out of the voice of many. This march did not accomplish nothing. Voices were heard and the world noticed.
