Fredericton activists march for women’s rights
On January 19th, Fredericton activists marched through freezing downtown streets to protest inequality. Fredericton mirrored many cities throughout the world where women are marching to fight gender oppression.
The feminist marches began on January 21st, 2017, following President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The anniversary of Trump’s inauguration will mark the third year of Women’s marches around the world.
Before marching, the Women’s March Organization held a ceremony on the steps of Fredericton City Hall. In the ceremony, organizers thanked sponsors and participants, naming the Women’s Council of New Brunswick, Fredericton Sexual Assault Center, and many volunteers who helped bring the event together.
In Fredericton, the march for 2019 was focused on the acronym HERS: Health, economic security, representation, and safety. Organizers said these four rights were, “fundamental,” and therefore the foundation of the march.
Women’s March Organizer and volunteer Katrina Slade said she wants to help as much as she can to further Women’s rights in New Brunswick.
“I decided to join because I think the issue of gender equality is so important, and a lot of times it goes invisible in public dialogue,” said Katrina Slade.
Many signs and flags waved with slogans against discrimination. Signs read, “pay equity now,” “men of quality don’t fear equality,” “Defender of Human Rights,” and more.
Marchers chanted through downtown streets for 30 minutes. Organizers created chants to tackle intersectional dimensions of feminism, such as race, sexual identity, and gender identification.
Different chants heard were, “Trans rights are human rights,” and, “Hey, Hey. Ho, Ho. Gender Violence has got to go,” screamed marchers.
The march was bilingual, with organizers creating bilingual signs and French chants. One chant targeted sexual violence and consent with a simple and direct message.
“Oui c’est oui. Non c’est non,” shouted organizers and marchers, translating to yes means yes and no means no.
Marcher Sharon Lee Saulnier said it is important for organizations and marchers to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
“I really felt guided to come here today to be a voice. As Gandhi told us, you want to have to be the change that you want to see in the world, you have to get out there and make that change and be that voice and now is the time, there’s never been a better time. So, I just wanted to be here and put a voice out there for many who can’t be here today,” said Saulnier.
