Why You Should Join In The Women's March On Washington | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why You Should Join In The Women's March On Washington

"Who run the world? Girls."

19
Why You Should Join In The Women's March On Washington
Pinterest

Feminism is not a dirty word.

Just like most things in this country, it has been distorted, picked apart and molded into something it isn't. And also like many things in our country, the handful of radicals who went too far in conveying their message of equality, were the ones people associated with the term "feminism."

In reality, the feminist movement is filled with perfectly sane women (and men!) of all races, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, and socioeconomic backgrounds, who simply understand that women's rights are human rights.

So let's take a step back. Feminists are not radical man haters. In fact, the best outline of feminism I have heard is from Chimamandra Ngozi Adichie's TedX Talk, "We Should All Be Feminists." Beyoncé featured samples of Adichie's message on her surprise album in 2013.

According to Adichie, a Feminist is a person who believes in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Holla.

All that being said -- come inauguration weekend, I'll be joining millions of my sisters (and brothers!) across the nation in my support of feminism at the Women's March on Washington. While the main event will be held in Washington D.C., most states are hosting their own at the same time.

All of this started when one woman made a call to action on Facebook the morning after the election. Within 24 hours -- it became a nationwide stance on solidarity, and with official partners like Planned Parenthood, a co-chair like Harry Belafonte, and a celebrity line-up that includes: Zendaya, Katy Perry, America Ferrera, Amy Schumer, and many more. This march is sure to make its mark on history.


"In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore...We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us."
-
OFFICIAL STATEMENT, National Organizers

Women have been fighting the battle for equality for over a century. One march isn't going to change everything, but it's a unified message that we're going to keep fighting until true equality is achieved. And even though it's easy for me to jump in feet first and grab my rally gear, I know many of my peers are left wondering...what difference does this really make?

Let Me Ask You This:

1. Do you believe men and women should be able to achieve the same goals (career, education, etc.) if they put in the same amount of effort, do the same amount of work, and strive for the same level of excellence?

2. Do you believe the <80% of men who currently hold elected office should be making decisions and enacting laws regarding women's healthcare, (ex. STD testing, gynecological health, access to contraceptives, prenatal) even though the repercussions of those laws do not directly affect their bodies?

3. Do you believe in order to provide a true land of opportunity, we must address the gender inequality in the workplace such as the pay gap and the current benefits for maternity leave?

Because if you do, then that's your answer. This is our fight and it's happening right now. Show up. Stand up. Let's March. One person may not do much, but together, we are showing the world that we will not rest until women have equity at all levels in society.

"There is no true peace without justice and equity for all.
HEAR OUR VOICE.
"
-OFFICIAL STATEMENT, National Organizers


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189685
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14588
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457589
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26489
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments