Friday, March 29, 2024

Thousands of Victorians will take part in Women’s March Canada on Saturday

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On Saturday, January 20th, get ready for a revolution!

Thousands of Victorians are expected to assemble in Centennial Square to take part in the annual Women’s March, slated to start at 11 AM.

Last year, the event saw over 2,000 people take to the streets to join the conversation about women’s rights and what kind of changes they want to see in their community.

Spearheaded by Cayla Naumann, the Victoria branch of the Women’s March initiative is organized by various interested parties, about half of whom have ties to the University of Victoria.

(Victoria Women’s March, January 2017/Photo by Katrina Sark)

A whole new focus

Women’s March organizer and UVic student, Alexandra Ages, reached out to us to talk about the focus of the event, and what they hope to achieve from it.

“Our theme this year is “Looking back, moving forward.”, says Ages. “This march was largely inspired by the marches that occurred around the world last January, but as amazing as the movement was, it also brought with it a lot of lessons to be learned.”

The spotlight this year, therefore, will be on the struggles of marginalized women – women of colour, queer women, trans women, disabled women, sex workers, and other minority groups.

Instead of the march being a platform for politicians or public figures, the conversation will be led by speakers from various grassroots organizations right here in Victoria.

(Victoria Women’s March, January 2017/Photo by Katrina Sark)

Signs and Security

Other than profanity, or obviously explosive rhetoric, people are encouraged to bring their own signs to the event – in fact, the organizers hope to host sign-making workshops in the week leading up to the march.

And just in case things get a little too heated (or if a counter-protest springs up), trained marshals will be present to help deal with the situation.

“We believe strongly in bystander intervention, and are lucky to have a number of cool-headed, well-trained folks on hand to help us out if things do happen to get tense,” assures Alexandra.

(Victoria Women’s March, January 2017/Photo by Katrina Sark)

Can’t make it to the march? Here’s another way you can help

The Women’s March organizing committee will be hosting a book sale fundraiser on Friday, January 19th in the University of Victoria Clearihue building, room C112.

It will run from 2:30 – 5 PM and all proceeds will go towards funding the event, and other non-profit groups.

If you can make it, we’ll see you there!

Victoria Buzz will be joining the discussion on the ground with you guys on Saturday.

Let us know where you are by posting on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram with the hashtag #womensmarchvictoria.

Fingers crossed for good weather!

(Women’s March Canada/Facebook)

Women’s March Canada – Victoria March

  • When: Saturday, January 20th, 11 AM – 1 PM
  • Where: Victoria City Hall, Centennial Park – the march will end at the B.C. Legislature
  • Admission: FREE
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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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