Cambridge Women's March

By Lydia Pendergast

One year later, and stronger than before. 364 days after the iconic Boston Women’s March of 2017, activists, feminists, and everyone in between crowded Cambridge Common.

This past Saturday, January 20th, supporters returned to this event for the same reason as before: to forward the movement of equality. An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people showed up to this smaller-scale march for women. Speakers such as Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Cambridge Mayor Marc McGovern spoke to the crowd about the need for change, and how our fight has only just begun.

They remarked that our progress so far has been large, and this upcoming year has already taken great leaps towards equality. Movements such as #MeToo and Times Up were talked upon, and that the need for more women in congress continues.

From 1:00pm to 3:00pm, well-known speakers shared their thoughts, ideas, and plans regarding the ongoing rally. Zayda Ortiz, one of the organizers of the event, recalled the emotions felt during the last year, “We were worried our immigrant families would be in the cross-hairs of the iced deportation machine. Mothers ripped from their children. Refugees from war-torn countries turned away. We were disgusted. We were angry. But we were determined to turn what was happening into active resistance.”

Looking around the common, thousands of citizens represented their beliefs through inspiring posters, pins, and pink hats. Although I have only been to two women’s marches, I have found that each one has taught me an immense amount of information I had not known before.

The inspiring, strong women around me have constantly given me courage to, even at the age of 16, do what I can to fight for what I believe in. Because of events like these, I have gained a better understanding of the world I live in and what I can do right now. CHS’s feminist club has become a focal point of this, and being one of the leaders, I try to take the information I acquire and bring it to our meetings. The path towards this goal, although long and difficult, will be worth it in the end.

Hopefully someday soon, equality is met for all, and no matter your gender, race, sexuality, or accessibility, you are paid an equal amount and treated the same way: as a human being should. “Because, if there’s one thing to take away from today, it’s that we’re still here, we’re still marching, and you better believe it; we are winning.” - a quote from Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.