Many adults and children took part in a women’s march in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2018.
Over the weekend of January 20–21, 2018, people took part in events all over the United States and the world to celebrate the first anniversary of the 2017 Women’s March. Estimates show that between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 million people participated in the U.S. events. The 2018 women’s marches celebrated the first anniversary of the 2017 Women’s March. They also provided early encouragement for women voting and running for office in the 2018 midterm elections in November.
The Women’s March organization hosted events in every state in the country. They varied from small gatherings in small towns to huge events in major cities. There was a march and a rally in New York City. In Los Angeles, California, the event featured art, music, community booths, and guest speakers—including U.S. Senator Kamala Harris and some celebrities. The Women’s March organizers chose Las Vegas, Nevada, to be the location for their official #PowertothePolls event. In Juneau, Alaska, people gathered to hear speeches at the Alaska State Capitol before marching to Marine Park.
Many people who took part in the marches spoke out for equal rights for women. These rights include equal pay for women, access to healthcare and childcare, and family medical leave. The marchers also want to protect DREAMers—young people who were brought to the United States as children by undocumented immigrants. Most of the marchers want the government to pass legislation that protects DREAMers. They want these young people to be able to stay in the United States, the place they consider home. Many marchers also spoke out about the importance of protecting the environment.
A large number of the marchers were children. Like the adults who took part, these kids showed their support for many issues, including the importance of equality and education. Some kids made signs to show everyone the issues that are important to them. Taking part in the marches has taught them the importance of voting and speaking out for what they believe in.
Speakers and volunteers at the women’s marches encouraged adults to register to vote and to have their voices heard in the upcoming midterm elections. They also encouraged women and people of different ethnicities to run for office in future local, state, and national elections. At the march in Washington, D.C., U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi summed up the purpose of these rallies when she said, “We march, we run, we vote, we win.”
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