Marching for women’s rights in Fredericton

The downtown streets of Fredericton came alive on Jan. 19 as over 100 people marched for women’s rights, braving the -25 degree weather to take part in the third annual women’s march.

It started outside City Hall at one p.m., and completed a loop around Queen and Brunswick streets as marchers yelled chants heard blocks away.

The first march started in 2017 after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Every year since then, people have taken to the streets in communities all over the world to recognize women’s rights.

Marchers worldwide in the first year wore so-called “pussy hats” to protest against Trump’s vulgar comments. This year, many Fredericton marchers wore those hats.

Some marched for specific women in their lives, while others had individual reasons.

Ashleigh Kenny first heard about the march from her gender studies professor. Having grown up in Miramichi, Kenny participated because her hometown did not have one, and to support women both in Miramichi and worldwide.

“Just women in general,” Kenny said. “There’s no one specific, but I know back home we have lots of Indigenous women – so that kind of stuff really sparks it.”

Elizabeth Tuck, third year St. Thomas University student, was another of many students attending.

“I am here today because I am a feminist and I believe that it is my duty to really show up for these sorts of events, to show that the community is behind feminist events – that the community of Fredericton is behind the women’s march,” Tuck said.

The theme for this year’s march was H.E.R.S.

It stands for women’s rights focusing on health, economic security, representation and safety.

Following the march, march organizers hosted a panel discussion in the Fredericton public library to talk further on the H.E.R.S. subjects.