Women’s March makes waves internationally

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Millions walked the streets of Washington D.C, New York City, Germany and countless other places across the nation on January 19, during the Women’s March, which held importance for many women who do not feel like they are treated equally. Some issues in today’s society that were the focus of the march included what many call the wage gap, women being treated as items rather than beings and other personal rights being called into question.

The march was a worldwide event that held major importance for several reasons. Women have been fighting for their personal rights throughout history and this was their chance to protest the oppression they have faced that they say should have been corrected years ago, emphasizing that this isn’t an “Anti-Trump” event.

The movement was broadly covered and included those who may feel stereotyped based on their race, gender or sexuality. Another major priority for change is using one’s voice. As Rosa Parks once said, “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

In other words, being silent is the same thing as standing against and that causes an individual to become a part of the problem. Individuals are given a voice for a reason and with comfort one can stick up for the injustices they see around the world.

Molly Hall, 21, a senior at SUNY Cortland, participated in the 2019 Berlin Women’s March while studying abroad. “No one should ever be living their life in fear,” she said. “I think that is something we can all agree on. I think it is important to always fight for what you believe in and know that you are never too young to have a voice.”

Hall always had intentions of attending a march, she said, but never thought it would be in Germany. The march started at 10 a.m. and, for about three hours, the streets of Berlin were filled with roughly three thousand people. The most interesting aspect, she noted, was while even in another country, she still saw numerous signs opposing Donald Trump. Hall thinks that now more than ever the younger generation needs to step forward and fight to make the world better and equal for all.

“My motivation for women’s rights is that we are all in an endless fight together,” she said. “As women, we are being oppressed on a day-to-day basis — at work, at home and everywhere in between. Why wouldn’t we fight for what we deserve? I love that younger generations are getting involved in this fight for our rights, it’s empowering to be a part of.”

Angela Boscarino, 18, a freshman at SUNY Purchase, an aspiring young advocate, provokes change in her community as she makes a difference through the use of her voice. She was just one of 200,000 individuals who gathered the streets of New York City for the Women’s March, starting at Lincoln Square and ending at West 44th Street.

She said, “If I could be a small wave in a sea of change that is something I will always be proud of.” Growing up, Boscarino was always taught that discussing personal politics was inappropriate, however, as she grew older and became more educated about politics, she disagreed with that notion. She learned that conversation is always a way to provoke change, she said, adding, “If we as a country are able to openly and respectfully listen to other opinions we can civilly make change.”

Boscarino said it was her personal obligation to participate in the march as well with all types of women globally to hold the power of change for the better. “I figure if I start young I’ll be able to contribute to my community in my future.”