On January 21, 2017, the day following the inauguration of President Trump in the US, women’s organizations secured permits for marches in major cities throughout the United States. Many cities throughout the world held similar marches in support of women. These marches were not demonstrations against the newly inaugurated President, but were marches or rallies to remind all of our elected officials, from the President to our State legislators, that when enacting laws, the laws should be for the benefit of all people in our country.

The marchers were sending a clear message to elected officials that the language of the past 18 months, during the campaign for US President, had to change. People in the United States were tired of the divisive and demeaning rhetoric that fueled racism, prejudice and mistrust of one another. They marched in support of immigrant rights, healthcare for all, gender justice, LGBTQ rights, economic justice, education reform, disability rights, support and protection for victims of domestic violence and trafficking, gun legislation, respect for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation.

These marches were attended by women, men, young adults and families with small children. The millions who marched sent a message that when laws are considered, human dignity and human rights must take precedence over wealth and power.

S. Sally Hodgdon

 

Vídeo CSJ:  https://vimeo.com/201753120