Women’s March 2018

The official Women’s March website states: “The mission of Women’s March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change. Women’s March is a women-led movement providing intersectional education on a diverse range of issues and creating entry points for new grassroots activists & organisers to engage in their local communities through trainings, outreach programs and events. Women’s March is committed to dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance and building inclusive structures guided by self-determination, dignity and respect.”

The movement, which as a whole stands for reproductive rights, LGBTQIA rights, worker’s rights, civil rights, disability rights, immigrant rights, environmental justice and ending violence, has placed special focus on voting this year. Under the slogan “Power to the Polls,” the movement aims to target swing states to register new voters in order to secure concrete political wins in 2018.

YEOJA Magazine connected with our sisters from across the Atlantic to share their stories and photos from this past weekend and to learn more about the personal reasons why they took to the streets:

“Many people told me that marching was a waste of time. I live in a very liberal area and I experience very little gender discrimination. But that was not the point of going at all. I went to be part of the group so silenced women could see that they are loved. I went to support the LGBTQ+ community and POC in order to let them know that they have allies behind them. I went because I wanted to feel the love of a peaceful protest so I can someday recreate that incredible feeling for others.”

– Jensen Schmitt @j.ensenn, 17 years old

“I marched to make intersectional feminism more known.”

– Sofia @sofiavbews, 17 years old. (Pictured above)

“I marched today as I did last year, to protest the injustices that occur daily to women in America and around the world.”

– Jennifer Lopez @jtotheloandthecity, 37 years old

“I marched for all those who can’t, who dare not, who are not ready. I support creating a feminist movement that is inclusive for women (all pronouns & races) and gives all women (and allied men) the space they need to express their frustrations. The key to the movement, to keep the momentum going, is nurturing a multidimensional movement. That is why I will march, I will fight and I will be a phenomenal woman.”

– Heather @willinsphoto, 28 years old

“Today I marched for women and human rights, gender equality and in protest of the current administration that threatens to strip us of the rights that our predecessors fought so fiercely for us to have. As an immigrant myself, I hold a special place in my heart for all the Dreamers. I support DACA and will use my voice to speak up for those who can’t.”

– Ekaterina @katerinao7, 43 years old. (Pictured above)

“My sister reminds me that I am not just here to fight for my own rights but to speak up for all the women around me, especially for those whose voices are not often heard. Nothing felt better than marching through the streets with not only my twin sister, but crowds of women around me, supporting me and each other and with the common goal of fighting for equality together.”

– Ally @possibally, 17 years old. (Pictured on left with twin sister)

“I marched because enough is enough. Equality should never be a privilege. Equality is a right. And we are demanding our rights!”

– Adrianna Marie @adriannaamua, 18 years old. (Pictured center)

“I hope, in some small way I can help empower more South Asian women to fight. To break cultural norms and expectations. To love ourselves and our needs. To not poison our minds with submissiveness to those around us. We are strong. We are women. We ain’t no scrubs.”

– Abi Saleem @chi_abi, 25 years old. (Pictured on right)

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Sources: Newsweek

Visit Women’s March on their official website, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more feminist topics, specifically intersectional feminism, click here.