Thousands of women march here and across the globe to continue the fight
Rally encompasses numerous social issues, but U.S. president remains at the forefront
A year after millions of people across North America marched to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration, a large crowd braved a Saturday rainstorm to gather at Jack Poole Plaza in downtown Vancouver for the 2018 Women’s March.
The marchers — some in the pink “pussy hats” that became a symbol of resistance during the 2017 march — had different reasons for attending, but the American president was still top of mind.
“It’s sad that someone with so much power can say such terrible things,” said Wendy Coulthard, who came from Maple Ridge for the march.
Julie Fraser was concerned about setbacks to women’s health and reproductive rights in the United States. Her father Art Fraser said he “felt ill” watching the events south of the border.
“We’re lucky to live in Canada, but we can’t take our rights for granted,” agreed their friend, Kelly Halfnights.
Volunteers with Democrats Abroad moved through the crowd encouraging American expatriates to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
“Donald Trump is a misogynist,” said Barbara Gleason Kyle, a Ladner resident who moved to B.C. from Oregon. “Many Americans live abroad, and we have the ability to make a difference.”
Lorraine Cameron said she was “disappointed” to see fewer women at this year’s march because “not much has changed since last year.” Despite the #MeToo movement, the American political situation remains the same, she explained.
Hundreds of people continued to arrive at the plaza as speeches got underway and the march began, pausing for a few minutes in front of the Trump International Hotel on Georgia Street.
In 2017, about 15,000 people marched through downtown Vancouver. This year’s crowd was estimated at up to about 5,000. Tens of thousands of people also marched in cities around the world Saturday, including Washington, New York and Los Angeles.
On their Facebook page, the organizers of March On Vancouver said the event was also focused on combating the rise of white nationalism, misogyny and xenophobia. The group uses an inclusive definition of “woman” that includes trans women, gender queer women, two-spirited and non-binary people.
In Chilliwack, about 150 people marched to city hall. Many were concerned with the homeless crisis and the plight of women living on the streets. “It takes courage to stand up in a small community,” said organizer Patti Mac Ahonic, executive director of the Ann Davis Transition Society. “I think there’s a lot of anger about the lack of caring we encounter.”
“We’re lucky to live in Canada, but we can’t take our rights for granted.” KELLY HALFNIGHTS MARCH PARTICIPANT