Rally draws more than 500
More than 500 people rallied together in Kerry Park to speak out about the importance of human rights on Saturday.
“I’m here to fight for women’s rights, human rights, everyone’s rights, and show my daughters what it means to stand for something,” said Alley Periton.
“Knowing what’s going on in the States right now, I feel like I need to stand by my sisters, my brothers, everyone down there and show them we’re there for them, and they will get through this and we will raise up and be prosperous.”
The Women’s March was held in conjunction with marches held in Washington D.C. and around the world.
Speakers in Kelowna talked about women’s rights, Indigenous rights, LGBTQ rights and more.
“Wherever the opportunity exists to bring the voice of Indigenous women who have been missing and murdered and sexualized, I think it’s important to come out,” said Jody Leon, member of the Splatsin First Nation near Enderby.
“Out of this, the message very clearly goes to our government that people are standing together and that we’re not going to allow everything to go forward without standing up and making our voices known.”
Jane Turnell came to the rally to openly oppose United States President Donald Trump.
“I just had to make a statement that Trump is wrong,” she said.
“Women have the right to feel safe, and he is telling people that they have the right to touch women any way they want, and that’s wrong.”
Turnell expressed concern about similar issues coming from the United States up to Canada.
“I worry that the attitudes from the States could come here,” she said.
“No one should have a special law because of their religion or because they’re male or because they’re female. Everyone should be treated exactly the same.”
Sam Harrison was standing near the front of the crowd holding a sign that said “Down With Trump.”
“Everyone should be treated equally, and they’re certainly not going to be with him, and that’s why I’m here.” she said.
“I just hope enough people get on the bandwagon and we can make a difference, and maybe he’ll listen to the people, which he should, because the people voted him in.”
Alison Moore, organizer of the Kelowna march, was tearful about how many people showed up to the rally. “I feel amazed,” she said. “We thought maybe 25 people would join us, then it was 50… now we have over 500 people.”
Along with several planned speakers, the microphone was also open to anyone who wanted to voice their opinions.
“We’re all ready to speak, we’re all ready to share our call to action and join others,” said Moore.
“I’m so proud to be joining all of these women around the world and people around the world of all ages. It’s just an honour to be here, and I’m happy to be part of this whole thing.”