Last Saturday morning, amidst the sunny skies of San Francisco, the Civic Center Plaza transformed from its blank, tree-lined walkways to a sea of colorful posters. A rush of pink hats, children atop the shoulders of parents, and a sense of belonging showed thousands of concerned citizens at the forefront of politics and action once again. From bustling cities like San Diego and Los Angeles to smaller towns like Gualala and Modesto, the state of California was abuzz with marchers. People from all walks of life were gathering for the second time since President Trump's inauguration in unity under the Women’s March movement manifesting itself in cities across the country and world.
"It is really important to continue speaking up, to continue having a voice," said Jenny Hubert, an attendee of the San Francisco Women's March, accompanied by her daughter, Jessica Hubert. “We have the numbers to make a difference.”
Building on the previous movement, which served to empower women's rights activists, the second annual Women’s March sought tangible action. Sophia Andary, co-lead organizer of Women’s March San Francisco took part in curating the Bay Area theme, "Hear Our Vote."
"This year we really wanted to concentrate on having an action so that people are not just coming and marching, but that they are doing something the next day," Andary said. “We are making it a call to action with five outlined goals. Voter registration, voter turnout, organizing locally, increasing women in office, especially Women of Color and electing progressive women and allies."
According to Andary, the theme was in part inspired by low voter turnout in the previous midterm elections in the state of California. Women's March Bay Area, along with the sister marches across the state, hope to incite change and drive individuals to turnout for the midterm elections taking place in November of 2018.
Andary, along with other leaders and marchers, made it clear that the goal is no longer to vote for current politicians, but rather elect progressive politicians.
"We want people to really consider when they are looking at each candidate, whether these candidates are talking to all of the community in San Francisco and the Bay Area," Andary said. “Are they intersectional? Are they actually trying to create change through legislation?”
Many individuals were inspired in part by the Women's March and the movement for progressive, and intersectional politics to become involved. Some are registering to vote for the first time despite being eligible for years, others are joining the movement through local organizations, and more than ever women are joining the political process.
"I’m 40 years old and I've never voted before, but I just registered this year because that's what I felt like I had to do," said Elijah, an attendee of the San Diego Women’s March.
Record numbers of women are registering to campaign in the 2018 midterms. Already, more than 390 women are running for a chance to represent Americans through an office in the House of Representatives, and 50 for Senate offices. As it currently stands, the number of women running for Congressional offices is higher than at any other point in history, says a report from Rutgers University's Center for American Women and Politics.
"It was amazing witnessing a grassroots movement turn into a historical moment, and I realized that sitting idly by and not being apart of history was something I would deeply regret when I was older," said Chinwe Idika, Student Trustee for Foothill College and attendee of the San Francisco Women’s March alongside fellow members of the We for She and Black Student Union Club. “This movement is a clear catalyst for social change, and I want to do my part in helping it.”
The democratic process is not solely tied to voting, and participants in the Women’s March of all ages understood their First Amendment right to assemble. Adolescents and children, often accompanied by parents, wanted to support an intersectional movement that they believe in.
"I am here to keep resisting and show that I haven't accepted what’s happening," said fifteen year old Isabella. “I’m a part of the next generation, and as I grow older I hope my generation realizes that we can influence people.”
The second annual Women's March is a testament to the continuing movement in support of change in the current policies and governance structures that allow for the mistreatment of minorities. The political resistance is working to resolve the misogynistic ways that have become synonymous with power in the United States.
What started as a proclamation of despair and outrage in the midst of a tumultuous election cycle continues a year later as a full fledged social movement. From newborns to retirees, the movement has brought together participants as diverse as our nation.
