The Women’s March on Washington

The Women’s March took place in Washington DC on January 21st of this month, following the inauguration of Donald Trump. Hundreds and thousands of people took to the streets all across the globe in protest of the new president.

January 21, 2017 is one for the history books as the #womensmarch is now the BIGGEST protest for women’s rights in recent US history. Women’s rights are human rights – which right now people feel are under attack because of Trump’s presidency. Women joined in diversity to show their presence in numbers, too great to ignore. An estimated 500,000 people marched in Washington alone. An estimated 2.9 million people took part in women’s marches across the United States. These numbers grow even further when you look at how many other cities around the world held their own Women’s Marches in support of the protest. The New York Times shared images of the vast crowds marching.

Organized protests like these are made possible because of the Internet. It has bought people together, from all across the world! It’s allowed us to share concerns about particular social and political issues such as this one. Thanks to social media we are made more aware of the sorts of things going on around us and the issues facing our society. Social media acts as a uniting force in which celebrities, politicians and the public can communicate and show their support of the Women’s March, as one.

“We send a bold message to our new government” – Women’s March.

Being able to share, like, comment and upload means that their is greater awareness and attention to issues of social importance. Had it not been for social media being my source of news (& I am sure this would be the same for many other people), I probably would never have known about this. Social media ties everyone into what is happening here and now.

Notable activists for women’s rights, civil rights and LGBTQ rights spoke on the day. Celebrities like America Ferrera & Scarlett Johansson, as well as feminist icon Gloria Steinem, were among those to speak at the rally. Other well known faces were there in support, Katy Perry, Lena Dunham & Ellen Page were among some of the many to attend. Celebrities, politicians and other influential figures with huge followings on social media, took to their Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts to show their support of the Women’s Marches. As opinion leaders, their support has encouraged others support.

Social media has been a key tool in strengthening the effect of this protest. Without it, the sheer numbers of people protesting would not have been possible.  As they say, there is strength in numbers. The #womensmarch, like social media unites us. We are able to share our beliefs and thoughts. Which allows us, like in cases like this, to come together to protest against a common cause.

“We are linked. We are not ranked. And this is a day that will change us forever because we are together.” – Gloria Steinem

Men and women together, fighting for women’s rights! Let’s celebrate this. Unity sends a stronger message.

Links:

https://www.womensmarch.com/mission/

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/21/politics/womens-march-highlights/index.html

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/21/world/womens-march-pictures.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur

http://www.elle.com/culture/news/a42331/gloria-steinem-womens-march-speech/