On Saturday 21 January, marchers in Wellington and Auckland will kick off the global Women’s March on Washington movement.
“People all over the world are marching to coincide with US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration and his first day in office,” says Bette Flagler, a dual New Zealand and US citizen and New Zealand march organiser. “The marches support the core values of democracy whether that is in the United States or New Zealand: diversity, equality, justice, honesty, the protection of freedoms, free and uncensored distribution of news, and integrity.”
While labelled a ‘women’s’ march, the event is open to everyone, says Flagler. “This movement is about inclusion and solidarity. The rhetoric of the last election insulted, demonised, and threatened many people – immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBT, people of colour, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault. These marches are an expression of the millions of people around the world who stand up for those who were vilified during the campaign.”
The marches are not anti-Trump. “During his transition to office, Mr Trump has called for unity and an end to division. We agree with this goal and would like to send a message to Mr Trump that in order to heal the divisions that were caused, he and his administration must stand up for those who were the centre of the criticisms.”
Additionally, says Flagler, the marches aim to bring attention to other topics that require international cooperation.
“From climate change to trade, from religious rights to nuclear weapons, the new administration has spoken, often in controversial ways, about issues of global concern. Regardless of where we live, we are all confronted with the question of how to move forward and how to work with this new administration. In the spirit of unity, we would like to hear a positive message from Mr Trump about these topics that affect everyone. Our message to Mr Trump is that we will not be silent and will not allow any administration to roll back rights that have been fought for so strongly and for so long.”
Currently, more than 155 Sister Marches have been organised by volunteers in cities throughout the US and an additional 37 are planned for cities around the world. They have all been inspired by the Women’s March on Washington, which is expected to attract more than 200,000.
The Auckland and Wellington events will begin at 10.30 am on Saturday January 21.
Participants in the Auckland event will march peacefully from the US Consulate to Myers Park. American-born journalist Tracey Barnett and Labour MP Jacinda Ardern will speak. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Participants in the Wellington event will gather at Parliament where American-born Green MP Julie Anne Gentner will speak. Participants will then march peacefully to Wellington Civic Square and join the free family event, Love Trumps Hate – NZ.
