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Lethbridge Women’s March – large number offer strong solidarity

Jan 21, 2017 | 5:02 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  Close to 500 women and men, many with children and pets in tow, showed up along Mayor Magrath Drive Saturday afternoon, in a mass show of solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington.

One attendee said she was at first surprised by the turn out, and then over-whelmed and thrilled with the support.

The event, which began at 12:30 in front of Nikka Yuko gardens, mirrored the Canadian women’s marches that took place in cities and communities all across Canada.   The stream of Saturday afternoon traffic on Mayor Magrath, for the most part, brought honks and shouts of encouragement as they passed by. 

Picnic tables had been set up with supplies for those who attended to create art and write down their thoughts on ribbons which were attached to a line strung between the trees.  The ribbons that fluttered in the breeze bore comments such as – “Here for humanity”, “To each her own”, “I march proud”, and “Because I respect myself”.

When a LethbridgeNewsNow.com reporter arrived and asked to speak with one of the organizers, a man looked up from preparing a banner and said, “We’re all organizers!”

The statement underscored the spirit of the gathering – an overall focus on equality, diversity and inclusivity.  There was no mistaking who was the catalyst for the marches, as many of the displayed posters and ribbons were matter-of-fact.

One woman, who called herself a strong advocate of women’s rights, spoke of Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

“I feel women’s rights are threatened – and it’s because of a man who holds a position of power and can now expound his ideas on the world stage – people need to know that Trump’s inauguration has created a grass roots reaction that will not tolerate discrimination, intolerance and the continued marginalization of specific groups.”

When questioned if she was surprised by the number of men who showed up to the march, the woman offered an emphatic “No”.

“Every man here has a woman in his life, whether it’s his wife, a mother, or a sister, who has supported him – and men need to support women – they recognize that.”

The large gathering brought together a diverse group of people from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds and beliefs. Alongside those who espoused freedom for reproductive rights was a group actively supporting pro-life. 

The overriding atmosphere was one of peace and respect. To the small number of people who drove by and shouted ridicule and scorn, or offered the middle finger, the crowd of marchers simply offered smiles and waves or they blew kisses to the nay-sayers.