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Showing Solidarity: On Women’s Marches And Unity

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Credit: Jon Aitken

This weekend, 2.6 million people took part in Women’s Marches all over the world, protesting the current President of the United States. Kaja explores why solidarity is so powerful.

I didn’t know much about the Women’s Marches until I saw a video by The Guardian depicting the London March on Facebook, along with dozens of tweets from people I followed. For the whole of Saturday, through to today, social media has been filled with photos, speeches, slogans, quotes, and videos from the world’s Women’s Marches, all of which have been peaceful and powerful. So what were the marches all about? I’ve talked to a few people who went on them, and here’s what I’ve found out.

Emma Watson, Sir Ian McKellen, Sandi Toksvig, and many other celebrities and millions of everyday women, men, children, and even dogs, went on the marches all around the world as a sign of solidarity. They sang and yelled and protested peacefully in the face of President Trump’s inauguration. When I asked participants why they did it, they said it was to show how Trump’s disrespectful treatment of women, having used phrases like ‘grab her by the p*ssy’, is wrong, along with sexual assault and the idea of punishing people for having abortions. It is felt that a lot of the things that have come from the president’s mouth jeopardises the freedom, safety and basic rights of women.

“President Breaking Wind has impacted on us all” – Sir Ian Mckellan On Trump And The Marches

It wasn’t just women marching though, as minority groups also marched for the threats to their rights, and overall it was an inclusive protest hosting tonnes of different voices who were there for different reasons, which ultimately united them. They were marching in the face of social injustice, and to show that they would not be silent about the impeding of their human rights.

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But what struck me when I watched the video by The Guardian was how peaceful and joyful everyone at the London march seemed to be. From it came a feeling of hope and togetherness and peace which I could not believe, considering the political turmoil and instability of the world today. It was lovely to see and a moment which changed the world in my own eyes. What were your thoughts on it?

If you want to hear more thoughts on the Women’s marches, please read Sian’s brilliant piece here. And please tell us your thoughts on the Women’s Marches below. 

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