HHS Young Democrats attend Women’s March
Since Inauguration Day, President Trump isn’t the only one who has taken action (began repealing Obamacare, signed an executive order to defund Planned Parenthood). In numbers that made Trump’s Inauguration crowd look like a Nickelback concert, women across the state, nation, and world also took action; they paraded through their capitals to protest the new presidency and rally for equal rights. Men and women of all backgrounds walked together with the hopes of sending a clear message: women deserve fundamental rights.
The Women’s March, although it originated in Washington DC., was seen around the world in London, Sydney, and Dublin. Other capitals joined the rally, including Little Rock, Arkansas, and even smaller cities participated, such as Bentonville and Fayetteville. Our very own Young Democrats Club attended the march in the Arkansas capitol.
When asked why she chose to attend, Jessica Regalado said, “I’m a woman and a future leader of the country.” Valeria Zazueta said she went to “get our points across. Trump’s inauguration will take away rights that I feel strongly about but some overlook.”
Each person had their own reason for being there. The wage gap, the “pink” tax, abortion, domestic abuse and sexual assault/rape were some of the serious issues addressed at the rallies. Though the march was not explicitly a protest against the current administration, these topics became especially prominent in the wake of Hillary Clinton, who made monumental steps for women’s rights. Under Trump’s presidency, women are unsure about their future; his controversial sexual harassment comments are still haunting him.
When asked what the best part of the rally was, the answer was almost unanimous. Students were shocked at the size of the crowd. Regalado said, “There were not only girls, but also men.” Roughly 7,000 supporters attended, all carrying handmade signs. “Build kindness, not walls”, “Women’s rights are human rights”, and “Love not hate makes America great” were just some of the slogans seen at the march.
Although the main event is over, supporters have made it clear that they’re not done yet. Many have promised to keep fighting for equality. “Speak up when people are hating. Don’t stay quiet,” says Zazueta.
