The Women's Rights Marches scheduled in every state in the country on January 21, are not just domestic phenomena, nor are they narrowly limited to women's rights. Rather, the organizers remind us, women's rights are human rights — they affect everyone — and human rights are for all.
The energy around these marches is palpable. In California alone, almost 50 separate marches are scheduled throughout the state. Press reports indicate that another 26 marches will be held in Canada, 15 in Mexico, and even one in the Cayman Islands. According to the D.C. March organizers, 57 countries will also be holding marches on January 21, "with the goal of promoting a platform of progressive values, and with particular emphasis on women's LBTQ, and immigrant rights." For a map of the scheduled marches, click here.
And what will happen on January 22, and 23, and on after that? The Global March organizers have set out a platform with the acronym "HERS": Health, Economic Security, Representation, and Safety. As we march in solidarity around the world, the struggle to secure these basic human rights will reach a high point on January 21. While one march may not change the world, our participation can help ensure that this activism is broad and deep, and will continue to gain power and momentum into the future.