We Will Walk

It's important to show up ✨✌🏼#womensmarch #womensmarchlondon ❤#useyourvoice @womensmarchlon 💪🏼 https://t.co/kN5qyBNBOz pic.twitter.com/YJXoWCgWuL

— Estée Lalonde (@EsteeLalonde) January 21, 2017

Pre-march photo! #womensMarchAntarctica ❤️🐧 pic.twitter.com/NaRyZaIvsM

— linda zunas (@lindazunas) January 21, 2017

(All pictures sourced from New York Times website)
I know there has been a lot of talk about the Women's March on Saturday 21st Jan, I even witnessed it first hand in London, which I am overjoyed to say. I did not personally take part as I am not great with crowds and London is not a familiar place to me, this feeling was also shared by the friends I was with. But I was wholeheartedly taking part in spirit, you can believe that without question. 

It was so heartwarming and reassuring to see such a widespread support for this cause. To see that real people, on such a scale, think and believe in the same ideals is me is honestly relieving, because for a second there I thought I was going mad. To see how much progress has been made in recent history and then for it to be snatched away so abruptly has been truly exasperating. However if anything, I think it was eye-opening to see how many people have not followed this trend of evolution in society.

It is evident that we are not where we thought we were in terms of how we think things should be in 'the 21st century'. People say but 'it's 2017' and I think we have to realise that no matter how far we think we may have come from the days of women not having the vote or being able to work, we still have to fight just as hard now, as they did then. These demonstrations and their reactions show how little has changed in the perceptions of people as a collective. 

It is easy to be blinded by what we think and what those around us believe. We attract those who are like-minded to us and through this become unaware of those who do not comply to our standards. It is a dangerous slope to assume that just because we think a certain way, others do also.

I also think that is easy to isolate this within America, after all this has stemmed from the election and the ideals that Trump upholds and stands for. However I think it would be ignorant of us to view it that way. This affects and impacts further than that.
This is not a fight for just America, this is bigger than one country, this is bigger than Trump. This is a stand for what is right, for what is and should be, equal. I was overwhelmed when I saw how many countries, far and wide, marched on Saturday. I saw a boat in Antarctica who marched. The sheer volume of support for this cause gives me hope and for now that is enough. Hope is the catalyst that keeps the movement going.

I read an incredible post shared on my facebook that you can read here, which inspired the title of this post. I think what is said is so important and reaffirming, that no matter the obstacles, no matter the consequences, people are prepared to fight for what they deserve. People are prepared to fight and they will.

This will go down in history and I want to be able to say that took part, that I fought for what I believed in. I will not sit aside and be silenced because others do not want to hear what I have to say. No matter how small your contribution, it has an impact. Whether you walked in the march or you shared a post about it. Spreading this message is key to breaking down the barriers. 

This is important and it will not just go away.

We will walk.

Beth