Stay Woke: 15 Women and Men on Why They Marched in the Women’s March

“I realized that we are not alone.”

Maha Elgenaidi: The march completely relieved my depression and anxieties of the previous day of inauguration. I honestly didn’t think this was possible until I felt and witnessed the mass of people at the march, read their sometimes-hilarious protest signs and heard the speakers. I realized then that we are not alone, which was a very different feeling from the time of post 9/11 when we were alone, and that through organization and hard work, we might just beat the possibility of widespread violations of our civil rights and liberties.

Lisa Fine: It was such an uplifting day of unity, solidarity and sisterhood. It was moving to see just how massive and powerful we can be as a force for change and good if we organize and take action. The massive participation at these events was a reassuring sign that as Trump tries to take away our progress and rights, he will be met with powerful resistance from allies all over the country – and around the world. The election of Trump shook my faith in humanity and the women’s marches restored it.

Next: Standing in Solidarity