On Friday, January 20 (Saturday 21 New Zealand time) Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States.
Hard to believe as that is, by the time we all wake up on Saturday, the man who has bragged about sexual assault, vowed to cut funding for reproductive healthcare, and generated a political campaign based on fear, division and hatred, will have been sworn into the White House.
The day after, 200,000 people from across the US are expected to descend on the nation’s capital as part of the Women’s March on Washington – to stand up for women’s rights in America.
And while we might be over 12,000 kilometres from our American sisters, that’s not stopping Kiwis from showing solidarity with their cause.
Similar marches across New Zealand have already been announced – stretching from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, down to Dunedin. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
Nasty Women unite
Why should I march?
People often feel embarrassed or critical of campaigns like this because they don’t understand ‘what the point is.’ But as organisers state, it’s about being proactive about women’s rights that have been hard won across the world, and rejecting the rhetoric that things like access to contraception, doesn’t matter.
“This event is open to all people who believe that women’s rights are human rights, that diversity is the strength of our community, and that all voices deserve to be heard,” reads the Facebook invite.
“We are stronger together.”
Journalist Tracey Barnett, who will be attending and speaking at the Auckland march, wrote: “The real question for me was-how could I not march? For my daughter. For all our daughters-and sons. This is about so much more than a presidency.”
Where can I march?
The New Zealand marches all kick off at 10.30am on Saturday 21.
Auckland: From the US Consulate on Customs Street to Myers Park.
Wellington: Parliament to Civic Square.
Christchurch: Victoria Square to Cathedral Square.
Dunedin: Rally at the Octagon.
Who can attend?
Everyone and anyone. The march welcomes all genders, ethnicities, ages and physical abilities to attend.
Should I bring a placard?
You don’t have to, but if you want to make your own bring it along. There are also resources available here to download.
Check out the Facebook pages for more details on the New Zealand marches.
