The weekend of January 20th, I hit the streets of Chicago with a couple friends and around 300,000 others to rally for women’s rights and to prepare for the midterm elections this year. Now leading up to this day I was asked a lot of questions about why I was marching. Questions like “Don’t women already have equal rights?” and “What’s the points?” Although the focus of the women’s march is heavily on women’s rights it goes past that and focuses on other social issues that different people hold close to their hearts.

I march for women empowerment. Whether it’s through education, the internet, or simply getting people to recognize the importance of women in society. We can all work to empower each other.

I march for immigrant rights. We need to all work to protect the liberties of immigrants and work to fight the discrimination towards them.

I march to end violence. Whether it’s ending violence against women, gun violence, or just simply teaching better conflict resolution, violence is one of the biggest problems in our society today.

I march for the environment. With so many people doubting that climate change exists and our world at such a huge risk, now is the time to stand up and start acknowledging that are actions do have effects on the Earth.

I march for reproductive rights. My body, my choice. Simple as that.

I march because black lives matter. There is a need for a focus on black communities and the violence that is inflicted on them because of a history of racism.

I march for the future. Although I’m still young it doesn’t change the fact that if I am not fighting for my rights now, things may not change for the generations that come after me.

I march to get people to the polls. A big way to make change happen is to get people engaged politically. To see progress and change we need peoples voices and the best way is through their votes and leadership.

I march for a better tomorrow.