Overview of the Movement

On a recent Saturday, thousands of women and their allies gathered in various cities across the United States for a national day of action titled “Unite and Resist.” Organized by the Women’s March, the event aimed to voice opposition against the Trump administration’s policies, which, according to the organization, have instigated an ongoing “war against women.”

Concerns Regarding Women’s Rights

The Women’s March highlighted that the Trump administration is following a plan laid out by the Heritage Foundation known as Project 2025. This plan seeks major reforms in the federal government, particularly targeting sexual and reproductive health rights, as indicated by the Guttmacher Institute.

Rachel O’Leary Carmona, executive director of the Women’s March, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst the adversities posed by the administration. “We refuse to lose focus,” she asserted, underlining a commitment to continued action and advocacy.

Voices from the Protests

San Francisco

In San Francisco, around 500 people participated in the rally. High school student Saya Kubo expressed her reasons for attending, stating, “Abortion, Elon Musk, educational rights and trans rights, LGBTQ rights, climate change—all of these things, I am standing up for what I believe in.” Her mother, Aliso Kubo, accompanied her to support women’s rights.

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, a crowd of thousands gathered, with protesters like Pamela Baez advocating for equality. She articulated a powerful message: “I think I mostly want people to be aware that women are people. They have rights.”

Boston

Boston Common also saw a sizeable turnout on that crisp Saturday. Participant Ashley Barys remarked on the significance of women’s unity, asserting that “There is a magic when women come together. We can really make change happen.”

Grassroots Initiatives and Local Actions

In Asheville, North Carolina, Sierra Night Tide took the initiative to organize a local event, as the city had no planned protests. She shared her personal experiences and the necessity of collective action, highlighting the importance of advocating for marginalized communities.

Michelle Barth, a rally organizer from Eugene, Oregon, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “We need to fight and stop the outlandish discrimination in all sectors of government and restore the rights of the people.”

Global Context

The United States was among multiple countries participating in International Women’s Day protests. Events unfolded globally, drawing attention to women’s rights issues far beyond American borders. In Berlin, for instance, reports emerged of police violence against women-led pro-Palestine demonstrators.