Women’s March on Washington

Definition

The Women’s March on Washington was a massive protest that took place on January 21, 2017, the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States. This event aimed to advocate for women's rights, social justice, and a range of issues including gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. The march served as a powerful demonstration of solidarity among diverse groups, reflecting the ongoing struggle for women's suffrage and broader civil rights movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Women’s March on Washington drew an estimated 3 to 5 million participants across the U.S., making it one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history.
2. The march was not limited to Washington D.C.; sister marches took place in cities around the world, highlighting global solidarity for women's rights.
3. Key issues raised during the march included reproductive rights, healthcare access, equal pay, and the protection of marginalized communities.
4. The event was organized by a diverse coalition of activists and organizations, reflecting a broad spectrum of feminist perspectives and goals.
5. The Women’s March on Washington is credited with energizing a new wave of activism and political engagement among women and allies across various communities.

Review Questions

• How did the Women’s March on Washington reflect the historical struggle for women's suffrage in the United States?
  • The Women’s March on Washington connected directly to the historical struggle for women's suffrage by emphasizing the ongoing fight for women's rights and representation. Just as suffragettes mobilized to demand voting rights in the early 20th century, participants in the march sought to address current issues impacting women, such as reproductive rights and gender equality. The event symbolized a continuation of that legacy, reminding society that the battle for women's rights is far from over.
• In what ways did the Women’s March on Washington serve as a platform for intersectionality within the feminist movement?
  • The Women’s March on Washington highlighted intersectionality by bringing together diverse voices from various racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Organizers and speakers at the event emphasized that issues affecting women are interconnected with other social justice movements, such as those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. This inclusive approach aimed to ensure that all women’s experiences and challenges were represented and addressed within the broader feminist agenda.
• Evaluate the impact of the Women’s March on Washington on subsequent political activism and movements advocating for women's rights.
  • The Women’s March on Washington significantly impacted political activism by mobilizing millions of people into action and creating a renewed focus on women's rights issues. Following the march, there was an increase in grassroots organizing and participation in local politics, leading to higher voter turnout among women in subsequent elections. This surge of activism has influenced various movements advocating for women's rights, reproductive freedom, and social justice, demonstrating that collective action can create substantial change in society.

Related terms

Suffragette: A woman who fought for the right to vote in the early 20th century, often participating in protests and advocating for women’s suffrage.

Equal Rights Amendment:

A proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that aims to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex.

Intersectionality:

A framework for understanding how various forms of social stratification, such as race, gender, and class, overlap and impact individuals' experiences.