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Why We March: In Conversation with Attendees at the 2019 Women’s March

Victoria Chekerdjieva
American Contributor
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at American chapter.

Did you miss the Women’s March last weekend? Looking to learn why women chose to march? You’re in the right place!

Despite the newfound controversy, women from across the country flooded the streets of Washington, D.C. this year to fight for their rights and protest Trump’s administration. Being one of the largest and most impactful marches, women braved the frigid weather and proudly stood up for what they believed in. Here are a few brave women who shared what drove them to Washington, D.C. to march.

Rene

As a health care practitioner, Rene stands up for women’s health! She opposes the strict government laws and regulations that dictate what women can and can’t do with their bodies. 

With Brett Kavanaugh coming into power as a Supreme Court judge, women’s reproductive health is in danger. Many women share the common fear that their right to an abortion could be taken away at any point in time, which is why it’s crucial to stand up for our rights! In addition, as Rene’s sign says, many women of color actually face a greater risk of pregnancy-related complications. 

Quick Facts:

  1. Legal abortion is safe! Procedures can be provided at Planned Parenthood or at your doctor’s office.
  2. Restricting abortion will not reduce it. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), around 1.2 million women have had an illegal abortion, resulting in as many as 5,000 deaths. 
  3. According to the Scholars Strategy New York, in 2008, 69% of all pregnancies among Black women were unintended, compared to 56% of pregnancies unintended for Hispanic women and 42% unintended for white women. 

Avah

“It’s my body and my choice!” Avah decided to march this year to fight for LGBTQ rights in addition to women’s health. As a religious woman, she believes that everyone deserves the rights to their own body. 

Quick Facts:

  1. Transgender individuals face extremely high risks of violence, with almost half reporting that they have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. 
  2. According to the Joyful Heart Foundation, 46% of bisexual women have been raped, compared to 17% of heterosexual women and 13% of lesbians. 

Danielle

At her first Women’s March, Danielle stands up for indigenous women’s rights, particularly the thousands of Native American women that go missing or are murdered. 

Quick Facts:

  1. According to the Indian Law Resource Center, More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women have experienced violence, and more than 1 in 2 have experienced sexual violence, which is why there needs to be more attention brought to this issue! 
  2. Native American women have reported sexual assault rates TEN times higher than the national average. 

All around the country, thousands of women marched this year. While these are just 3 of their stories, women with unique perspectives traveled from coast to coast to stand up for what they believe in. Although the march is now over, keep pushing for equality and never forget to fight for what is important to you!

(Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4)

Victoria studies at American University with a major in PR and Strategic Communications and a minor in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability. She was born in Bulgaria but can also call Minneapolis home. Whenever she isn't writing for HC, you can find her doing yoga, traveling, or trying out a new restaurant. Victoria is passionate about environmental sustainability and is proud to be working with Rent the Runway as an ambassador.
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