HUNGRY FOR CHANGE
Hundreds attend 2nd women’s march
As movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp continue to make headlines, hundreds of Saskatoon residents made their way down to River Landing Saturday to voice support for women’s rights as part of the 2018 Women’s March.
The crowd, estimated to be more than 400 strong, marched in solidarity with millions around the world. Julia Price, one of the march’s organizers, said it was important that this year’s march focused on issues not only affecting women in Saskatoon, but also issues that women face nationally and internationally.
“What we know is that women’s issues don’t exist in isolation; they’re all interconnected,” she explained.
Price said the #MeToo movement is a positive step forward, but it’s not only celebrities who are facing these issues. Millions of women from all walks of life may never have their voices heard, so this march is one way to stand with those whose voices remain silent — whether the silence is intentional or not, she said.
Price also pointed out there are many issues facing women, and not everyone is marching for the same reason. Many showed up with signs voicing support for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry, the fight for pay equality and freedom from violence.
“Its important for our communities to set an example for the social change going on,” said participant Janelle Thomas. “I’m a board member for the Saskatoon Mothers’ Centre and we are fighting to keep our doors open so I came to march for those women.”
Another participant, Kehan Fu, said he was there not only in support of the movement but also to learn and listen. One issue he noted was the education inequality he witnessed when travelling through China.
“I think there’s a very definitive ethnic education gap between women and men, especially when you get into higher-level education.”
Saskatoon-West MP Sheri Benson also attended, reciting a poem to the crowd before the march to the Vimy Memorial began. She said she was excited to take part alongside those she represents in Parliament and is excited not only about the passion for change in the streets but also in the discussions taking place in Parliament.
“We still have a long way to go, but the first part is having those discussions in places where changes can happen ... I’m certainly here to be a part of the group and listen to what people are saying and that’s a good way to head back to Parliament — with a little grounding in the community and grounding in reality.”