Today, hundreds of thousands of women gathered in cities and towns across the globe to march in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington following yesterday’s inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The march is intended to convey that women’s rights are human rights and bring together all marginalized people in a show of unity.
In Huntsville, more than 30 people participated in #sistermarch, organized by Ruth Cassie who calls herself a reluctant leader. She came out to march despite battling the flu.
“I simply feel compelled to walk in unity with other women and girls and people who believe women’s rights are human rights, because I am a woman, because I am a survivor of violence,” said Cassie. “I am walking because the 45th president of the United States, a man, privileged by his gender, race, and financial status, glorifies sexual violence and division of people.”
The people who joined her came for their own personal reasons, united by the desire to have a voice.
Jolene Theriault and Lindsay Rothwell said they were there in support of the movement.
“It’s time to participate,” said Rothwell. “We normally voice our opinions on Facebook but this is time to be part of the movement. It’s not just women rights, it’s all marginalized people. It’s a worldwide movement. It’s powerful.”
“We’re all on the same planet,” added Theriault, who held a sign that said ‘Girls just wanna have fun-damental rights’. “We’re all the same, we all deserve equal rights.”
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- More than 30 people participated in Huntsville’s #sistermarch
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- Lindsay Rothwell (left) and Jolene Theriault support women’s rights and human rights
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- Helena Renwick (left) and Kareen Burns think women’s voices should be heard
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- Emily Blackman (left) puts the finishing touches on her sign as Glen Byrom looks on
Pauline Webb said she was there to “help give a voice to those that don’t have a voice globally”, while Kai Streets wanted to support friends in the U.S. who couldn’t march today.
Glen Byrom was there with his family in protest against the inauguration of President Trump. “I think the election was unfair … I have a problem with the words he uses, I don’t agree at all with the things he says and how he treats people.” Byrom, who carried a sign with a quote from former NDP leader Jack Layton, also cited issues with the U.S. voting system that he says prevented many voters from voting as part of his reason for protesting.
Emily Blackman considered marching in Toronto, but ultimately thought it would be more impactful for her to remain in her own community. “I am here because I would like to promote an understanding of community inclusiveness and objectivity and I am reacting to the exclusivity and negativity I see coming from Donald Trump and from certain Canadian politicians. I want to make my voice heard in the way I want it to be heard. I think this is a positive way of doing that,” she said. “I self-identify as a feminist and I feel that when girls are empowered the whole world is also empowered. And also to be part of the community here – for me it’s more impactful. You’re putting your voice to your name in your community and will be held responsible for what you say in your community.”
The #sistermarch walked up Huntsville’s main street from Huntsville Place Mall and through downtown, along the way garnering many honks of support from passing motorists. Watch a portion of the march in the video below.
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Supporting HBR & women’s activism & awaiting editorial moderation by website masters…
I’d like to address Brian Thompson’s concerns about Hunter’s Bay coverage of this event. It’s important to note that HBR had no idea there was a local movement in solidarity of the Women’s March. In fact, I found out about it by chance, during my show around 4pm on Friday, the day before the march. As soon as I found out about it, I jumped on-air with what slim details I had, and I mentioned it again, at least twice before I got off air at 6pm.
Hunter’s Bay radio always encourages event organizers to let us know they are having an event and we’re more than happy to help get the word out.
Further, it’s unfair to compare HBR to Doppler. We are two different mediums and have completely different operational budgets. Operating a not-for-profit volunteer run radio station, with three different locations, comes with far more tasks than operating an online magazine.
I agree, Doppler does a good job with the news. I think HBR does an equally good job, given the number of people we have to cover all of Muskoka, which is one.
I’m quite disappointed that Hunters Bay Radio did not pick up on this very important story. There is enough expertise on the staff and volunteers to have covered this event. In the past, I personally have directed people to the HBR website for local news coverage. For a Community Radio Station, this is a disappointing evasion of responsibility. The Doppler does offer much more professional reporting, for sure, but it doesn’t exclude HBR from offering at the very least, basic news coverage, even if it is simply reposting OPP news releases.
Proud of you all. You are part of a powerful worldwide sisterhood.
A big hoorah for Ruth Cassie, leader extraordinaire whether reluctant or not! Standing together, strong in love and compassion and action, people can defeat hatred, racism, sexism, and , um, boorishness!
Thanks for the coverage, Doppler!
The world is standing up; proud of Huntsville!
Was proud to participate in #sistermarch today!