Since I’m half American, this past year’s election affected me much more than I thought it would. As a result of many people’s disappointment with the results of the election, there was a worldwide march held on January 21st, 2017 against discrimination and in favour of equal rights for women. At first, I felt forced to go to the Vancouver march, since my mom made me go with her, but once I was there, I was so happy and proud that I had the opportunity to attend. I was surprised to see that there were thousands of people there, people of all ages, ethnicities and genders.
The 2016 U.S. election brought to the forefront many of the fears and concerns women have for their futures, whether it is in the workplace, for their health care, or for their children. The worldwide march was a chance for women and men to stand up for what they believe in, and to stand as a united front against anyone who intend to treat them as second-class citizens.
The march began at Jack Poole Plaza with music and speeches, and then took the crowd through the streets of downtown in front of the U.S. Consulate General on W. Pender St. and to Trump Tower on W. Georgia Street. It is estimated that the crowd reached 15,000 participants, with most of them carrying signs with slogans such as, “Girls Just Want To Have Fun-damental Rights”, “Make America Think Again” and “I’ve Never Marched In My Life, But Now I March For My Life.” Although the fight for women’s and human rights will never end, it was great to see so many people from all over the world get involved in the cause.
By: Laetitia Oubari