It has been a wild year for the women's movement, but if the turnout to the Women's March in Windsor is any indication, it is going strong.
Hundreds of women and men rallied at City Hall Square Saturday in a show of solidarity for equal pay, access to reproductive healthcare, and freedom from sexual mistreatment.
In cities across Canada, the U.S. and around the world, women held similar marches.
Pat Papadeas organized the only bus trip from Canada to the march in Washington and told the crowd of more than 300 it was a transformative experience for those who crossed the border.
A woman demonstrates at the Women's March in Windsor January 20, 2018. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
While the march a year ago was primarily sparked by the election of U.S. President Trump and an acrimonious presidential campaign, Papadeas admits the movement has changed and become more inclusive.
"We believe that women's rights are human rights, and human rights are women's rights," Papadeas said. "We must create a society in which women including black women, Indigenous women, poor women, immigrant women, disabled women, Muslim women, lesbian, queer, and trans women are free and able to care for and nurture their families however they are formed, in safe and healthy environments, free from structural impediments."
Indigenous women perform the "Eagle Song" at the Women's March in Windsor January 20, 2018. (Photo by Adelle Loiselle)
To cheers, Papadeas declared that women will remain vigilant to protect reproductive rights as a number of U.S. states make legislative changes designed to make it more difficult for women to access abortion.
The past year has also seen the rise of the #MeToo movement in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal in which actresses accused the powerful director of sexual misconduct. Other influential men have also experienced a reckoning, including Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, and Al Franken.
Pina Ciotoli, who brought her daughter to the march, believes #MeToo has been positive for the movement.
"It has been brought to the surface, and it's being talked about, and I think that is really what is important," she said.
Many men also participated in the Windsor event, including Steven Carver who came to support his wife.
"Human rights are human rights. Gender, sexuality, we're all human. We all belong," he said.
Greg didn't give his last name but echoed Carver's comments. He believes the movement has come together and people are speaking more and more with the same voice.
"If you look at what happened in Poland over the past week, they marched over abortion rights," he said. "I think it's important that we all stand in solidarity together."
As for where the movement is headed, Papadeas does not attempt to speculate.
"It shifts. It's going to take on different forms, and it's going to be directed by the people who feel a part of it."
