by Jessica Ham

I have been a feminist for as long as I can remember. When pastors at church would talk about a wife obeying her husband or the man being the head of household, I never understood why. What makes a man better than a woman? I never bought into the sexist ideals society pushed. So, it was no surprise to anyone that I would want to participate in the Women’s March in Fresno this year.

The Women’s March was started last year and took place the day after Trump’s inauguration day, as a way to protest Trump’s platform, particularly his sexist platform. Women and men all over the U.S. and the world gathered together with signs and pink hats to show Trump that we will not stop fighting for what we believe is right.

Jessica at the Fresno Women’s March

The start of the march took place in a very large parking lot filled with booths and a stage. The booths ranged from charity organizations to people promoting a political candidate. I went to as many booths as possible and picked up buttons I happily adorned on my backpack. It was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by so many people who feel as passionate about women’s rights as I do.

Soon, it was time for the line-up of speakers. A diverse group of women spoke about their different experiences, especially in regards to the #MeToo Movement (experiences with sexual assault, harassment, etc.). People were encouraged by all of the speakers to register to vote and persuade other people to register. It was an hour of empowerment, encouragement, and sisterhood.

Once the speaking was over it was time to march. Cars honked in solidarity with us as they saw us marching by. The media was there to take photos of us. It was a day of feminist awesomeness I had always dreamed of. I cannot wait to go again next year.

People were saying in the news that they did not understand why people were marching. They were saying that women had enough rights, what were they actually fighting for? Well, we are fighting for an end to sexual harassment and assault, violence, LGBT+ rights, immigrant rights, equal pay for equal work, and so many more things.

The Women’s March was a way to tell the world, women want and deserve more than they are being given and that we will never stop fighting.

Jessica Ham is 25 years old and an ongoing contributor. With a love of all things nerdy, she’s right at home covering entertainment.