On Saturday, January 21, 3.3 million people across the US (source: The Atlantic) were able to let their voices be heard in the Women’s March. Not only were the marches that flooded the streets of Washington, Los Angeles, Denver and more protesting the inauguration of Donald Trump, women were able to fight for their rights.
Photo Credit: Denver Post
It was estimated that over 100,000 attendees arrived at the Women’s March in Denver out of the original expected 10,000. Many held signs addressing Trump, the wage gap, planned parenthood, LGBT rights, and climate change. The iconic pink pussyhats (a symbol of solidarity and women’s refusal to be removed from politics) adorned both women and men as they peacefully called for women’s equality.
The lightrail taking people to the event attempted to accommodate for the vast number of protestors but fell short as many were left waiting several hours to get on a train. The event started on time at 9:30 am in Civic Center Park, however because so many people attended some weren’t able to start marching until 12 pm.
Though the park was nowhere near to full in the early hours of the morning, it quickly filled up and by the time the event was about to start those in control of the event were overwhelmed by the turnout. Protestors were forced all the way up onto the steps of the capitol building as they waited to be able to start their route.
One protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her story on why she marched. “The main reason I attended was because of my devastation at the person who is now president of our country,” she explained. “I have two daughters and I just really hoped that our country would evade that choice. I find him repulsive. I do not think of him as a diplomatic person. I want to maintain ties with our allies and other countries and I just felt like I needed to do something.”
The 1.3 mile route paraded around the city of Denver, crowding roadways and filling the air with chants and cheers. Spectators lined up on sidewalks and balconies, flashing pictures and some even cheering along. Marchers cheered loudly every time a news helicopter flew overhead, flashing their signs and waving.
Many are unsure if the protests erupting globally will be efficient in pushing the US government to take action. President Trump himself responded through Twitter, saying “Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an election! Why didn’t these people vote? Celebs hurt cause badly.” — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
“I think globally, as women, to see the global support was huge and positive,” said the anonymous protestor. ‘I think going forward- I don’t know, I don’t know what’s going to happen; but I think doing that peacefully makes us think anything possible. I think we could have dialogue with the person who is president- I don’t want to say his name. But I think it’s hope. It gives hope.”
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