“Nasty women unite”: Sydney joins global Women’s March movement
BY ANGIRA BHARADWAJ
Thousands of Sydney residents united on Saturday 21 January in support of women’s rights and to protest against the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
The protest, which began in Hyde Park, was coordinated with Women’s Marches all over the world and gathered three times the crowd organisers had originally expected.
Mindy Freiband, co-founder and spokesperson of the march, said the large numbers were evidence of growing global support for human rights.
“We estimate that eight to ten thousand people turned up for the Women’s March in Sydney and the outpouring of support from those who were unable to make it but want to share their support, is overwhelming. This is only the beginning,” she said.
Ms. Freiband, who organised the protest after being unable to attend the Women’s March on Washington, said the Trump administration was built on hate speech, fear mongering and xenophobia.
“We were thrilled to be among the 3.3 million marchers around the world who raised their voices against misogyny, bigotry and hatred. It was a historic day and was an inspiring example of democracy,” she said.
Writer and social commentator Jane Caro was a speaker at the event and prompted the audience to fight for climate change and human rights.
“I can’t believe I’m still fighting for this shit. That’s exactly how I feel. But we have to keep fighting for it.
“We will have to fight against some people who are prepared to hang onto power by whatever means necessary and play very very dirty,” she said.
Jenna Price from Destroy the Joint, a partner in the event, said the march united women who believed in equality.
“I think Donald Trump represents the kind of ideas that are about 200 years out of date. He stands for a view of women that doesn’t exist and shouldn’t exist anymore.
“I would encourage women in Australia to work to end sexism, misogyny, racism and to work towards an inclusive society,” she said.
The global movement saw protests take place in over 600 locations around the world.
Photo: Simone Cheung
