The bitter cold temperatures and unsavory forecast for Saturday didn’t keep thousands from taking to the streets of Philadelphia in unity for the third annual Women’s March, putting aside differences that had threatened to divide this year’s event.
Independent local organizers of Philly Women Rally had hoped to dispel separateness after initially encountering friction with the national organization, which had planned its own march.
And, while Women’s March Pennsylvania, a regional chapter of the national Women’s March Network, held a separate march from Philly Women Rally, one would never have known any tensions had existed as all went off smoothly.
The Women’s March began as a protest to the inauguration of President Donald Trump in 2017, when more than five million women participated nationwide.
Deja Lynn Alvarez, co-president of Philly Women Rally, the independent Philadelphia contingent marching, said an average of 60,000 protesters participated in the event each of the first two years.
“This year, to me, is a testimony to our strength — we’re still here and we’re still gathering in numbers and letting you know we’re not going anywhere,” Alvarez said. “With the way the weather was being called, everybody was scared. The local chapter of the national group decided to put their own thing on. Either way, it was important to march and even though we dealt with financial troubles, we all felt it was too important and had to make sure this happened, regardless.”
For a third year, women and men of all ages and orientation joined forces to march in solidarity to advocate for women’s rights, immigration, LGBTQ rights, race equality, and women from underrepresented communities. This year’s theme: “We Shall Be Heard.”
Thousands of people bundled up to keep warm and convened at Eakins Oval, where speakers addressed the crowd once everyone had made their way to the Art Museum.
“We are here for the Women’s March on Philadelphia. It originally started when Trump got elected, and Trump is still in office. His people are still tearing our country and people apart,” Alvarez said. “But this year, more than ever, we’ve seen and faced more issues, faced more hardships and we still managed to come through the other side.”
“We are gathered for a third year in a row to make sure we are seen, as well as heard. It is more important now than ever to make sure we are heard,” she continued to applause and cheers from those gathered.
Sabrina Schoenborn of Philadelphia, who was marching alongside her friend, said it didn’t matter how young or old you were, or your gender or sexuality, it’s important to come together and spread a message.
“We need to stand up against suppression of minorities. Time’s up,” Schoenborn said. “I think no matter what socioeconomic class, no matter where you come from, you need to stand up for what is right because if you don’t do it, no one else is going to do it for you.”
As the crowd marched down Benjamin Franklin Parkway with drums and music echoing in the streets in tandem with chanting, many held signs that included messages like “Women Unite,” “Men of Quality Don’t Fear Equality,” “Women’s Health is Human Health” and “Trans Women are Women.”
Nicole Sanders, of Downingtown, attended the march with her daughter and expressed the importance of being a role model, teaching her to stand up for what she believes and stand together with others.
“I think one of the big parts about feminism is being inclusive. If one woman has chains, then we are all in chains,” Sanders said. “I think people who are marginalized in populations need to stand together and have a unified voice. Nobody is just one thing. I think standing up for everybody who is being discriminated against makes us all stronger.”
Marcher Madelyn Bergin, of Lansdale, enjoyed the event last year and made sure she did not miss it this year.
“It’s a good time to unite with people. I also enjoy taking time to show what I feel in a way that is peaceful. This is a really great way to convey how I feel,” Bergin said.
It was in no way only women in the crowd for the event. There were also many men, as participants cheered each other on, while spreading strength and unity.
“I am here to be with my friends and support everything they stand for,” said Alex Storrer, of Philadelphia.
“I don’t think there’s any reason for there to be inequality in this country. I feel that with the more ideas we share, we progress as a society,” he added.