The Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington fueled people to attend sister marches in their respective cities around the world.
For those living in South Florida, Miami became the epicenter of advocating. More than 10,000 men, women and children rallied at Bayfront Park Amphitheatre, many of them holding signs and shouting statements of policies believed to need change. The attendance filled the amphitheater to capacity, causing marchers to congregate on — and eventually shut down — Biscayne Bay Boulevard and I-95.
Haley Tract, freshman international studies major, attended the march because of her political intrigue and passion for advocating. She believes that progressive policies focus on more than women’s rights, but also healthcare, higher education, immigration and the voices of the minorities.
“If I believe I can make change, I will positively make that impact no matter what somebody tells me,” she said. “Being able to attend the sister walk is not only historically significant, but one of the most influential moments of my life. Walking next to thousands of people who are there to support the same cause as me is invaluable, and I will carry that moment with me for the rest of my life.”
Many of the people at the Miami rally showed the same sentiment. Approximately 20 organization advocates, including Congressman Ted Deutch, actress Lyneise Rachelle, Miami Beach Commissioners Kristen Rosen Gonzalez and Ken Russell and multiple organization leaders, spoke at the event, each asking for a call to action. The empowerment of these individuals was built upon the rights of women, immigrants, the LGBT+ community, and the environment. Some expressed this with a speech, some presented poetry and others performed with music, but all had one focus—to inspire others to fight for equality.
Meghna Mendu, junior biology major, also attended the march. She said she was always passionate about women’s rights and was deeply grieved and shocked by the outcome of the presidential election. This time, she wanted to go out and make a difference by being a part of the resistance.
“I never knew so much fear and divide was in our country,” she said. “Even though I am a colored woman, I also know many people who fit into the different categories that are being discriminated against, and I wanted to show that I will not sit back and let hatred spread through our country.”
Ujala Ahmed, senior finance major, said she was inspired to attend the rally because of people unifying together to work against President Donald Trump’s mockery of various populations. She explained that while the feminist movement fights for equal pay and reproductive rights, it also fights for social issues, such as the challenges facing the LGBT community, religious freedom, immigration issues, environment sustainability and more.
“We came together to stand up for ourselves and for anyone else whose rights are being threatened,” she said. “If we unite and create a strong fighting force for all the injustices and inequality we are facing, then we can prevent further damage and find solutions for a better future, together.”
South Florida’s march was only one out of the more than 600 that occurred around the world. People in South Korea, France and South Africa were some of the many participating countries, fueling more than 2 million marchers and creating the biggest march in U.S. history.
Mendu explained this global unification gave her hope, as the presidential inauguration made the upcoming years seem bleak.
“Now it’s clear to me that the American people will not take the violation of our civil rights without a fight,” she said.
While the march made ‘herstory’—a term women around the world coined as the new era of history—the Women’s March national leaders plan to continue advocating with their organization. The plan consists of 10 actions for the first 100 days, starting the day after the march. The first action is writing a postcard to senators about concerning issues, and following actions will be released throughout the 100 days. People can subscribe to be alerted when these actions are announced.
“This [march] was just the beginning, just the trailer, but I personally hope that this changes the hearts of those in political power and allows them to gain perspective,” Ahmed said. “I want to see progress.”
Those interested in participating in these tasks or learning more about the movement can find more information at womensmarch.com/100.
