Thousands participate in Women’s March downtown

By Amy Yee

Ottawa joined 616 cities around the world in marching in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington on Jan. 21, showing their unanimous support for women’s rights.

The event was established in response to Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States the day before, and the discriminatory and divisive statements that have ruled his campaign.

According to Ottawa police, an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people took to the streets to participate in the march.

Local activists spoke during the event in Ottawa, including Kayla and Jenna Spag, otherwise known as the Feminist Twins. The two emphasized that women and allies should come together to not only support women’s rights, but also to stand up for other minority groups that have been targeted by Trump and his administration.

Some Ottawa allies, however, took the lengthier trip to Washington, D.C. to show their support for the cause.

Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney and Gloucester-Southgate Coun. Diane Deans were two of those allies.

McKenney posted photos taken at the march on social media and tweeted the hashtag #LoveTrumpsHate.

Prime minister Justin Trudeau also showed his support on Twitter.

“Congratulations to the women and men across Canada who came out yesterday to support women’s rights. You keep your government inspired,” he posted the day following the march.