(1/30/17) By Jaclyn Arens – Millions of people rallied together on Trump’s first day. The main march was the Women’s March on Washington, but there were hundreds of sister marches across the globe. Organizers of the D.C. march say it was a direct response to Trump because of his stances on abortion, immigration, climate change, and health care.
The movement reached the Midwest, and there were marches in Vermilion, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Des Moines, and Iowa City. There were also marches on every continent, including Antarctica.
Local college students share why they marched and what they noticed at the marches.
Bailey Franzen, Augustana University, age 20
Marched in Paris, France
I joined the march because I believe every person has the right to protest and let their voices be heard no matter gender, race, social status, religion, etc. Along with that, many people are very upset and scared from this election process so I wanted to voice my opinion about the Trump presidency.
Especially as a woman, I marched not only for my rights, but for every woman’s rights of all backgrounds and circumstances. I also joined because I was incredibly excited to witness just how much this election has personally affected people from all across the world! It was beyond amazing yet heartbreaking to see so many French citizens who had a bad view of Trump and the United States in general. I believe there were over 7,000 people who marched in Paris.
My favorite aspect was the fact that so many French citizens saw the injustice and scary things happening because of Trump and wanted to fight along with us. I know their political system is going through a similar process right now with their candidates. I was incredibly warmed in my heart when people who spoke no English would come up to us as we were chanting and ask us how to say what we were saying and what it meant! At one point, the people marching started to sing a French Revolution song, and it actually brought tears to my eyes. I understood that so many were right next to me, fighting for the same causes.
The most memorable thing I noticed was all of the different people that attended. There were people from Paris, the US, Mexico, and there were males, females, the elderly, and children of all shapes and sizes. It was amazing to see them all uniting. So many different ethnicities and people, and yet no one was there for violence; they were just there for love and peace. My favorite part about the people was looking around and seeing everyone smiling and laughing and talking! I met girls from the University of Paris, I met women who traveled from different countries to be here…all of it put together was so awe inspiring and empowering.
Josh Arens, University of South Dakota, age 22
Marched in Vermilion, SD
I marched to support women around the world. One of the biggest misconceptions about feminism is that only women benefit from it, but in reality, everyone benefits when we dismantle patriarchal policies.
My favorite aspect of the march was the breadth of backgrounds among the marchers; male, female, young, old, straight, gay, cis, trans, black, white, and countless other people showed up to march. Although we were all very different, we shared a common creed: love trumps hate.
I noticed how we’re all so different but in a good way. Because of these differences, we were much stronger than if we had marched as separate, distinct coalitions.
While Trump catalyzed these marches, they are not simply anti-Trump; these marches are pro-women (and subsequently, pro-human). I hope individuals who are skeptical of these marches reconsider.
Jessica Higgins, Morningside College, age 19
Marched in Sioux Falls, SD
I joined the march because it was part of my civic duty. I think letting your voice and opinion be heard is important. I also joined because I believe women should have rights to their own bodies.
My favorite aspect was the amount of laughter and joy we had. There was a feeling of unity that covered all age groups. We were strong and united, and are not going to let anything happen passively.
I noticed that, men and women of all ages were there. Even though South Dakota is a red state. I saw all sorts of women who voted either way join in together to raise their voice. I think everyone has the ability to make a change in his or her community. Civic engagement can happen in many different ways.
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