Thousands of men, women, non-binary people, and children marched at the Oklahoma State Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 21. According to a speaker at the event, 4,000 people were expected to participate, but more than 12,000 people actually marched.
The Oklahoma City event was considered a “sister march” to the peaceful protest held in Washington D.C.
Several students were present at the event and shared their thoughts as to why women’s right are important to them.
“For too long women have been undervalued, under-taken care of and under-represented,” said Hannah Helbig, music composition sophomore . “We won’t passively watch our rights be taken away and issues go unresolved. We will change things. And we will do it with our black, native, LGBTQ, Muslim, handicapped sisters and brothers.”
“Women are important; all people are important,” Monica Hiller, education junior, said. “We all matter.”
As a response to the march, an anonymous student wrote:
I march because I was called a slut in the 7th grade for running for student office.
I march because I could bleed to death without access to birth control.
I march because I have been followed home by men that I have told no.
I march because when I tell people I study political science they think that is radical for a woman to do.
I march because my friends have told me stories of being sexually harassed.
I march because I have walked into too many rooms full of men talking about females as objects for their pleasure.
I march because I see injustice in the world. I march because I want others to know women’s rights are human rights.
I march because everyone deserves better.”
Abby Bryan, acting freshman and writer for the Odyssey wrote an article Jan. 22 entitled “Why I March.” In her article, Bryan discusses the importance of speaking one’s mind in the face of adversity and overcoming such obstacles as sexual assault, homophobia, racism, and unequal pay.
“Though initially an event meant to not be political, how can it not be when we are governed by people who don’t believe we should be free to be us?” Bryan wrote.
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