Why I'm joining the Women's March in Canada

Esther Caron, Marching in Ottawa

“The rise of the extreme right—in France, with Brexit and now with Trump becoming president of the most powerful country on Earth—has made me feel extremely sad. It was not the future I had envisioned for my kids. I feel that now instead of teaching them how to live in a world where women can be anything they want and that social justice is possible for all, I have to teach them to fight for these ideals. In participating to the Women’s March this Saturday I feel like it will be a good start for me to teach my kids how to be catalysts of change for a better world.” — Esther Caron

Summer Brennan, Marching in Washington “I’m marching for my nieces, and for girls everywhere who will be impacted by growing up while having a self-professed sexual assailant as president of the United States. I think America is experiencing a public crisis in women’s rights. While the Trump administration may elevate certain individual women to positions of power, his policies, rhetoric and persona all serve to oppress women and girls everywhere. Whether or not you supported her, Hillary Clinton’s campaign revealed how virulently sexist American society still is, both on the left and the right. This must be addressed head on with clarity, nonviolence and determination. I’m marching because if not me, then who? And if not now, then when?” — Summer Brennan

Ashley Otieno, Marching in Edmonton

“I am marching for anyone who has been told that their gender is a disadvantage. I am marching for anyone who has been told that the color of their skin is a measure of their capabilities. I am marching for anyone who has been told that they are an imperfection. I am marching for her, him, and me.” — Ashley Otieno

Sim Pannu, Marching in Winnipeg

“I am marching for myself, my daughter and my sister. I’m appalled that — in 2017 — aggression towards women has become so normalized. Having dealt with sexual abuse when I was 10, it took me seven years to develop the courage to speak out, and I made the decision then that I would always speak out on these things. As someone who is politically engaged, it’s hard to ignore that politics is still very much an old boys’ club, and that we need to hold men in political office accountable for their words and actions. My hope is that by marching on Saturday I will serve as a physical representation of my support to the women and girls in my community, and especially to my daughter.” — Sim Pannu

Jenny Kardynal, Marching in Saskatoon

“My reasons are two-fold. Firstly, as a woman and a mother trying to raise two mindful littles, I will march as an ally alongside all women who have and continue to experience systemic oppression. Secondly, I have been deeply distressed with the election of Trump and hold much anger along with feelings of helplessness; I’m hoping participating in this march will give me an outlet to refocus these feelings into strength and hope.” — Jenny Kardynal

Stephanie Tadeo, Marching in Ottawa

“I am marching in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington. I believe that the most radical, transformative moments of social and political progress are only made possible through acts of solidarity. To all women in D.C., and everywhere around the world, I stand for your right to be equal, to be free, to be human.” — Stephanie Tadeo

Tabitha St. Bernard, Marching in Washington

“I march for my son, our present and our future as an interracial family. I am a Trinidad-American immigrant and my husband is Jewish American. We’ve both been personally disturbed by some of the rhetoric of the past election and are concerned about the tone and actions of those in power concerning marginalized groups. I march because I need my son to see that thoughtful non-violent action is our only option. I march because as an immigrant, America has provided me with copious opportunities and I want to help ensure that other people like myself have access to the same. I march because I love this country and I want to see it be the best it can be. I march because sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option.” — Tabitha St. Bernard

Nasra Adem, Marching in Edmonton

“I march because I am a woman. I march because I am black and alive. I march because too many can not. I march because there are few freedoms of mine that are not facing the barrel of a gun or white/male politician’s pen. I march because I am privileged to live in an able body. I march because my mother crossed an ocean for me to speak openly, love freely and stand for what I believe in. I march because there isn’t a day where I do not stand in awe of the resilience and magic of women and femmes. I march to remind the world that the Earth was our first mother, and Her protection must be a priority for the survival of all humankind. I march for my little sister, my mother, my ancestors and myself. I march and speak and raise my fist because I believe in humanity and because I believe in the transformative power of righteous, critical, forward-moving Love.” — Nasra Adem, Edmonton’s Youth Poet Laureate, who will share a poem before marching 

Shannon Stone, Marching in Calgary

“The main reason that I’m marching is solidarity. As a Canadian, I understand the close relationship that our country has with the United States and the effect that changes within the political sphere can have on us as well as the rest of the world. Marches have been used as a means for the people to convey priorities and ideals to the government throughout many turbulent times in history, and this march is no different. And because I am in a position where I have the agency to make my voice heard, I must make use of this privilege for those who cannot.” — Shannon Stone

Meredith Fowke, Marching in Montreal

“Because I think it’s important to stand up and speak out for women’s rights all around the world; and women’s rights, along with the rights of many other people in America, are being threatened right now. I’m also marching because I am raising a teenage son (he’ll be attending too), and I think it’s important for our boys to learn how to recognize the everyday sexism that exists not only in the states and in other parts of the world, but here at home.” — Meredith Fowke

Teneya Gwin, Marching in Calgary

“After Donald Trump’s win, I personally felt defeated as a woman and as a minority. As an indigenous woman, I have to work very hard to be heard or seen in the corporate world. I am taking part in the Women’s March in Calgary because I don’t want to feel defeated. Instead, I am motivated to help elevate women. I have seen too many women who work hard, stay late and are committed to the work that they do, be overlooked by someone who is a loud talker, a bully and uses hate and negativity to push their way to the top. I want to be part of the movement. I want to help make an impact.” — Teneya Gwin

Cat Squires, Marching in Fredericton, N.B.
“I am intending to walk in my local Women’s March — I think every woman in North America should do so as well, because we can’t stand by and watch a backslide in our history. I, personally, am not about to let a man make me afraid for my place in society or have his words or behaviours give silent permission to others to treat me, or any other woman, as lesser or to reduce their worth.” — Cat Squires

Kate Siena, Marching in Toronto

“The outcome of the U.S. election shocked me to my core. I could feel the world slipping back 100 years. I have an intense need to stand up for women while teaching my son and daughter that the fight for women’s rights continues.” — Kate Siena

Mahlet Cuff, Marching in Winnipeg

“For one: I am part of a feminist radio show called Femisphere on CKUW 95.9 FM (Thursday mornings, 8 a.m.) and we are one of the many great supporters for the Women’s March. Secondly, I’m marching because I am very passionate about women’s rights, gay rights, trans rights, etc. These are the issues that are important right now and if we do not come together and talk about them nothing will get fixed; these groups of people will stay marginalized in our society. Marching on Saturday is important because we will be making history in terms of women’s rights movement and what’s more radical than that!” — Mahlet Cuff

Emily Quaile, Marching in Ottawa

“I am marching because equal rights are won through struggle, and this past year has reminded me that the fight for substantive equality is not over. Recent right-wing populism is very dangerous and is a threat to the safety not just of women, but of the LGBTQ2 community, people of colour, religious minorities, and especially those of us who intersect these identities. I march this weekend in solidarity with those who wish to fight fascism, and to denounce all forms of hate and oppression.” — Emily Quaile

Ashley Marshall, Marching in Toronto

“I am participating in the Women’s March so that my students can realize the purpose of being informed and put their studies into practice. It is important to send a message to our government here in Ontario that the people will mobilize and hold power accountable to any threat of injustice. I am marching to pay homage to those who marched for my right to march, and it is through this agitation that I hope people will have the courage to imagine a creative alternative.” — Ashley Marshall

Lisa Mackay, Travelling from Calgary to March in Washington, D.C.

“This American election for me was like a frightening illness that makes you realize you have to start taking better care of yourself. It highlighted how much work there is yet to be done in matters of human rights, and that this work needs all of us to roll up our sleeves and get involved. Seeing this ideology spread into Canadian politics is chilling, and Trump’s victory has shown that we can’t take it lightly. I hope the magnitude of this march will send a clear message to those who are content with the status quo in both countries that change WILL happen, and we will not stand idly by while basic rights are denied. I will proudly be wearing the pussyhat I made when I march in Washington, and I’ve actually made hats for five of my friends who are coming to march with me.” — Lisa Mackay

Daphne Poy, Marching in Halifax

“I am marching so that my one-year-old brother can grow up and keep the non-judgmental, non-discriminatory view of the world he has now. So that the world does not cut down, but builds up his love and respect for everyone. I am also marching for my sister, who like many of our fellow humans, is witnessing and experiencing discrimination in her life. I am marching so that one day, maybe when we’re really old, we can live in a world where people build on each other’s strengths and don’t poke each other’s weaknesses.” — Daphne Poy

Ivy Oldford, Marching in Montreal

“I don’t think my reasons are all that special or different from what others would say. I just want to do it for me, and, as a cis-het person, for the LGBTQ+ community because, as the Women’s March organizers say in their policy platform, women’s rights are human rights. And we need to send a message to the incoming POTUS, whose attitudes and opinions will have far-reaching global consequences, that we cannot and will not be ignored. It’s important for me to stand up for other women, because we need to support each other. I like that the Pussyhat Project (I’m wearing a hat I knit in this photo) is a fun and cute way to intrigue women (and men!) who are less politically inclined. There are several versions of the pattern on the website, and a how-to video. And they’re encouraging people to knit hats for strangers who are marching, which I think builds community. I think people will still wear these hats after the march. And any time I see someone else wearing one, I know I’ll feel like that person is a part of my extended family.” — Ivy Oldford

Stephanie Theresa, Marching in Edmonton

“As a human being, I’m marching for myself and others who’ve faced oppression due to their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, ability, religion, etc. I’m marching because I often hear people say that we shouldn’t worry about or fight for our problems here in Canada, because we have it so much better than some place else, but I refuse to accept that. I’m also tired of having to qualify that people should care about women’s rights, because don’t they have and care about a sister, mother, wife, girlfriend, etc. We should care about others because we’re all human and deserve to be treated with care, dignity and respect—and I’d like to believe I’ll march as long as there are people who aren’t getting that.” — Stephanie Theresa

Rosalee Averin, Marching in Calgary

“For me, this march is less a response to one person and the U.S. inauguration, and more a speaking back at and standing up against a long history of oppression aimed at black, indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse and disabled peoples on a global scale. It’s about recognizing who the systems that govern us were built for, and ways to dismantle, then reimagine those systems in an intersectional way. As a black, biracial woman, the forces of white nationalism, white supremacy and racial capitalism are ones I feel daily, so on Saturday I will be standing in solidarity with marginalized and oppressed communities and privileged folks in support of social, gender, racial and economic justice. May we find a way forward together.” — Rosalee Averin

Laura Hughes, Marching in Kelowna, B.C.
“I am marching because I believe that if women join in the march around the world that our voice will be loud and strong. Even if my local march is small, we contribute to a much greater number when we work together. I am also marching because, although I don’t like to admit this, women are more vulnerable than men and are not treated equally. I have felt this personally over the recent year, and I want to try to take control and have my voice heard.” — Laura Hughes

Rebekah Bennetch, Marching in Saskatoon

“I’m an ex-pat American who is also a Canadian citizen, and I was not happy when an infamous misogynist/racist/ignorant man was (narrowly) elected president. I’m excited to take part in Saskatoon’s Women’s March because I want to express solidarity with women and other targeted minority groups that this march is representing. I also have a young daughter, and I want to model for her that active resistance is always a better way to stand up to inequality and injustice. Taking part in this march is just one step I can take to be a better ally.” — Rebekah Bennetch

Kate Sepi, Marching in London, Ont.

“I am marching for my daughter, and for all women who should have the right to choose for themselves and to govern their own bodies. I am marching for both of my children to let them know that it is important to stand for what you believe in. I want to instill a sense of social justice in them, and the best way to teach it is by demonstration. I want them to have the strength and courage to speak for what is right, for themselves and for others. I am marching because I want to lend my voice to the chorus. I want to stand against the growing fear and hatred and inequities in our world. When we stand together, we are strong. I am marching because the people in power—those making the decisions that affect our lives and freedoms—need to know that we are watching and listening and will not sit quietly by while they change the world. We will change it too.” — Kate Sepi

Ronda T. Benjamin, Marching in Toronto

“Amid all the chaos of this election, what has given me some solace and a sense of faith in humanity has been seeing the way people rallied together and gathered in droves to let it be known that we would not be complacent with a Trump message that would marginalize or divide different groups of people. It’s easy to think we’ve come such a long way and to become content with the status quo and feel like we’ve mastered all the injustice that history holds, but clearly there is a movement that’s been triggered by Trump’s rhetoric that would see all that progress disappear. And so I feel like taking part in this march helps send a message that voices won’t be silenced and injustices and divisiveness won’t be tolerated. I do believe that it will be people coming together and raising our voices that will keep our world leaders accountable in the coming years, and if my small part of marching with others on Saturday can contribute to that idea, I want to be a part of that.” — Ronda T. Benjamin

Adora Nwofor, Marching in Calgary
“I am marching because I am tired of the world believing only men can ever save us. It is the socialized story that sadly was not applied to me. So I started saving folks — first my brothers, my friends, strangers, etc., and finally myself. I am privileged to make any difference in anyone’s life. A woman’s mark on the world is critical. This Women’s March on Washington marks the telling of new stories.” — Adora Nwofor

Maria Wong, Travelling from Vancouver to March in Washington

“I decided to fly out to Washington, D.C. to the Women’s March right after the election in November. I feel quite passionate about this because I am a woman of colour and a feminist who works in the anti-violence movement, and I am outraged by the multiple alleged sexual assaults done by Donald Trump. His election was based on motivating fear and hatred to all people of colour, and his attitude is about how power and money supersedes the quality of life among the nation’s people. A Women’s March is a perfect reflection to all that is missing in his campaign: love and compassion for the people.” — Maria Wong

Rachael Bell, Marching in Fredericton, N.B.

“I march because I care about human rights and the future of our planet. The two are very closely tied, and they are threatened by Trump’s presidency. These are my priorities, and it is important to show up for the things that matter to you. If we don’t use our voices and our actions to make it clear what matters, how can we expect our leaders to represent us faithfully? I march because I have a voice, and I want to keep it.” — Rachael Bell

Kiera Royle, Travelling from Windsor, Ont. to March in Washington

“I will be leaving from Windsor, Ont. on Friday night to go to the march in Washington. I am attending the march because I feel like it is a pivotal moment in North America, and across the globe, in women’s empowerment and rights. I believe this is a moment where we can take an intersectional stand for all individuals that identify as woman and recognize the individuality of all women’s experiences. I look forward to advocating for an end to lack of access to reproductive health services, an end to police brutality against women of colour, as well as the plethora of other unjust situations faced by women identifying individuals.” — Kiera Royle

Jessica DeWitt, Marching in Saskatoon

“As an American woman living in Canada, I am alarmed by the upswing in the systematic dismantlement of women’s reproductive rights and the general misogynist overtone of the political atmosphere in my home country. I march to stand side-by-side with my fellow women to honour our connection to one another and to provide a vocal message that we will not be quieted.” — Jessica DeWitt

Jess Lemesurier, Marching in Edmonton

“I march as a thank you to the women who fought for what we have, and for the women who continue to fight for what we do not. I march for woman in broken homes and nations, LGBTQ+ women and women of colour. I march for the women who gave up all they’ve had so that one day, someone like me would be able to do things I like this. I march with my sisters, and we march because we matter.” — Jess Lemesurier