The Women’s March on Washington 2017 has been applauded by many but also criticized by some. Some of those have been writers like Kuznicki, whose article provided an argument for their opposition; and some have been less concrete rebuttals, like in the comment section of the aptly-named Reason.com.
Across the world’s major cities millions of people marched, promoting not only a push to recognize the issues that women still face, but also a push for recognizing the intersectionality of issues women face too. Though the issue of white feminism was highly critiqued on social media, especially regarding the erasure of the history of women of color’s role in the push for women’s rights, some took steps to highlight the fundamental importance of intersectionality when they protested.
The initial expectation of the turnout for the women’s march in Charleston, SC was really good, but then it got better: we probably saw (according to the event page) over 2,000 people attend on the 21st of January. Speaking to the organizers and protesters during the day, the turnout was far better than expected, and it was pleasing to see people bringing attention to not only women’s rights but also movements like Black Lives Matter also.
With any egalitarian protest, the voices of the marginalized and oppressed are the ones we must be listening to, which is why I spoke to residents of Charleston, SC as to why they marched on the 21st; why the date was important, and what it personally meant to them.
Danielle Sundby of Charleston, SC was one of these women:
“As an American Muslim woman, I have faced my own discrimination on both fronts - because I'm Muslim and because I'm female. I wanted to show that we women are all human beings worthy of respect, compassion and the right to make informed decisions regarding our bodies without losing our dignity - despite our differences in race, religion and sexual orientation.”
She felt it important she drew attention to the issues Muslim women experience in the US:
“There's a lot of misconception out there regarding issues Muslim women face. I wanted to make sure I was there to offer some sort of perspective to close that gap and build bridges with other women.
“We have families, jobs, children, bills to pay; and we all want the same thing at the end of the day, and that's equal acceptance and respect. I was asked several times if I was actually a Muslim, or just making a point. I had to laugh. Yes! I am Muslim!”
But she was not just marching for herself. She wanted to show support of her LGBTQIA-identifying daughter, and to ensure her son treated all genders with respect.
“My 15-year-old is bisexual and genderfluid - and Muslim. She has been called every name in the book for wearing hijab (head scarf) and for being into girls. Being called a terrorist and f****t shouldn't be the norm… I would rather stand on the side of justice and help just a little than sit in shame with anyone that oppresses other human beings for being different.
“I marched for my 10 yr old son, to show him that women's rights are human rights. To teach him as a man that he should always stand up for what is right even if there's an uphill battle to be fought.”
Gabrielle Blackburn of Mount Pleasant, SC also marched on the 21st, also advocating her support for the LGBTQIA community she identifies in.
“I marched to send a message to those elected to represent me. In order to have needs met and rights protected, it’s important to speak up. The civic duty extends far beyond voting.
“It was incredible to march with a community of people dedicated to encouraging love and acceptance of others… I've always been an outspoken feminist, but it was nice to be surrounded by people I knew supported me, and other members of the LGBTQIA community that will fight for our rights.”
Finally, I spoke to Brittani Marie, an activist and Charleston resident. Britani has advocated and supported marginalized groups for almost two years now, so her decision to join the protest was not unusual; but Trump’s presidency and the many claims of sexual assault from women is very personal to her.
“For me, the reason I marched is I because I am a rape victim, who was raped last year, January 29th, 2016; and because the elected president is a sexual predator. As a rape victim, I knew I had to stand up against him.
When asked about why she marched, and why it was important we did, Brittani said:
“It’s the fact that we have so many marginalized groups of people in our country; we have people of color, we have LGBTQ, we have disabled people, we have people of different religions and gender identities… and all in a way have been targeted by this new president - it’s important for everyone to stand up for their rights.
“If their rights are compromised, then all of our rights are compromised; and I think by everyone standing up it empowers these people, which doesn’t happen often.”
I cannot suggest this article has succeeded in listening to all voices because clearly, it has not, but they are part of the many, many voices we need to listen to. When a movement fails to consider some of the people that fit into the identities it claims to fight for, or suppress the voices of those who have critiqued it, we must find out how we are failing.
Social justice movements and listening to the voices of oppressed and marginalized people are key, no matter of the suggestions that they are merely complaining. But the key to a good social justice movement is actively listening to those that highlight their oppression. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.
Thanks for listening to some of these voices - now, keep doing it.
