Women In Power!

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Katherine Lopez and Makenna Ingalls

January 21 was one of the most influential days for women. The Women’s March was a form of protest to protect women’s rights, but many people got together to protect other rights such as the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community, immigration reform, and freedom of religion.

More than 50 places in the United States participated in this historical day. This was not the first movement that has happened. The day of the inauguration was when the message was sent that “women’s rights are human rights,” more than three times as many people attended as opposed to Trump’s Inauguration. Women of all ages came to the march; daughters, mothers, and even the men in their lives participated to defend the women.

This was not only a historical movement but an empowering event to all women in the world to show that they have a say for their bodies, their  freedom of speech, and on all of their decisions. Posters with powerful sayings and drawings were shown in the march, as well as people encouraging to chant out loud “my body, my choice!”

Some of Broomfield’s students and teachers decided to take a stand in one of the biggest protests yet to occur this year. Gretta Barington 10, says “I just feel like we need to be more equal. Just because we’re female, doesn’t mean we have to pay more.” She felt like men’s products cost less than women’s products. Although the products are the same, the price was increased only for the women. When talking about the march, she was proud to be a part of an empowering event that she hopes will happen annually. “Now I get to say that I was part of the first Women’s March in Denver,” says Barington.

Ms. Roberts, also attended the Women’s March, and felt very strongly about equality being established among women. “People that believe in equal rights, human rights, for all, no matter your gender, sexual identity, race, country of origin […]. I think it’s important to stand up and be seen at the very, very least,” says Roberts.  

When asked what she thought about the outcome she replied, “I thought it was great. I thought it was really inspiring, and I feel like many of us have been really, super angry and super bummed out since the election. People feeling enthusiastic about trying to move forward, obviously just going there doesn’t really do anything other than it sends a message, “ says Roberts. Although it is difficult to estimate how many people were involved in the Women’s March worldwide, Denver was expected to have about 40,000 attendees, but the turnout resulted in over 100,000 women, men, and children.

 

When we asked classmates why they marched they responded with positive feedback. Ashleigh Salazar 12, says “I think it’s important that you stand up for what you believe in, and I think that we’re lucky, because in this country we can do that and I know other places, you can’t be vocal about what you believe in.” Mary Marcontell 12, added “I guess with all the derogatory terms that have been said, just in general, especially towards women, I felt very empowered going to the march.

This year’s Women’s March was a historical movement that brought thousands of people together around the world for one solitary purpose. These people hope that this empowering event can occur annually to show both younger and older generations that their voice counts. So what will we be expecting next after this act? And how many other protests can we be expecting this year ahead of us?
This important day was a start to letting voices be heard, to see change, let’s be the change. Don’t let yells turn into whispers, let’s stand and fight for it.