Women have been marching together all over the world for decades to show solidarity and raise awareness of women’s issues. On Saturday, January 20, complete with t-shirts, home-made signs and the passion for change, more than 125 people united for the second annual Women\u2019s March Muskoka.<\/p>\n
Although the initial \u2018fire\u2019 behind the march was to protest against the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump, it has now become about various women\u2019s issues. Women\u2019s March Muskoka was one of approximately 300 marches globally on this day.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we organized the march last year there were 25 women that walked. This year when I noticed that one hadn\u2019t been organized yet I immediately made a Facebook status to see if anyone wanted to join me,\u201d said Jan Jacklin. That was when Jacklin, Nancy Osborne and Michelle Emson decided to organize the second annual Women\u2019s March Muskoka. What started off as just a Facebook group turned to much more when Michelle Emson, LGBTQ+ advocate and human rights activist, got involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt ate away at me and I felt Muskoka needed more as we are the only march between Sudbury and Toronto. So I decided to launch an entire campaign including a Facebook page, Instagram and website. Here we are just six days later!\u201d said Emson. \u201cI wanted the march to be totally inclusive to everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The theme for this year\u2019s march was \u201cLook Back, March Forward\u201d which is a celebration of women\u2019s rights achievements as well as a pledge to continue resistance in 2018.<\/p>\n
Trump has mobilized people like me to keep this movement going and it\u2019s such a passion of mine seeing women step into their power. I want to see women have a presence that us undeniable and a voice that resonates.
\nNancy Osborne<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\nBeginning at Huntsville Place Mall, the marchers made their way across King William Street to River Mill Park then looped back and returned to the mall.<\/p>\n
Although led by women, the march was open to children, partners and families in order to bring together the Muskoka community and show support and solidarity. While last year\u2019s Muskoka Women\u2019s March had just a handful of men, this year they comprised a third of attendees.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am marching to share this incredible energy with my son,\u201d said Emily Blackman. \u201cI think it\u2019s important to model this behaviour to your kids. It is also a cause very near and dear to my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t