Boston Women’s March 2017

 

Why are we going?

“We are going to honor and protect the hard-won freedoms of the women of all races and classes who fought before us. Freedom from slavery. The right to be educated and vote. Better working conditions. Reproductive choice. Support for survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. An end to sexual and intimate partner violence. Equal pay for equal work. Full representation at all levels of leadership. Respect. Dignity. Autonomy.

We are going because there is still much more work to do. All women are not yet full and equal members of this region, state, and country. We are going to be in solidarity with all those who share this vision. We are going to show that we are in this together: working women, stay-at-home moms, immigrants, GLBTQ, all faiths, all colors,  and yes, men.

We are marching to pledge that we will do everything in our power to continue forwards, not backwards. For us – and for you. Join us- not just for the March, but in this ongoing work for justice.”

Gail Fortes, YWCA of Southeastern MA

Deb Fastino,  Coalition for Social Justice

Lisa Lemieux, SEIU 1199

Valerie Bassett, Women’s Fund of Southeastern MA

 

Around 8:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, people began to gather at the YWCA on 20 South Sixth Street. Over 40 people boarded  the bus to attend one of the largest marches in history, the Boston’s Women’s March at Boston Common.  There was a feeling of excitement knowing they would be a part of history and have the opportunity and freedom to gather in a non partisan, peaceful and meaningful manner to let their voices be heard and advocate for the rights of women, children, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ and others.

Upon arrival, the group realized the march was much larger than anticipated. It was said that there were over a 150,000 people in Boston  that day. The march occurred in several states, Washington, D.C. and in many countries across the globe. Marchers represented many different ethnic and racial groups, genders, income and education levels and ages. In the streets, there were a sea of custom signs with words like “dignity” and “Love thy Neighbor” written on them. Large crowds of people marched through the streets while one group would ask the question, ” What does democracy look like?” and the other group would echo with a response ” This is what democracy looks like.”