After the record-breaking numbers that the Women’s Marches across the United States attracted on Jan. 21, 2017, critics and supporters alike anticipated the second annual Women’s March on Washington. Attendance did not reach that of 2017, but still many Madison students participated in the march.

“I went to the Women’s March last year in NYC, and I definitely wanted to go this year. Being surrounded by people who believe what I believe was empowering. Also, it was a great time to peacefully protest our current administration and their beliefs. The theme for the march was Power to the Polls, and I think the speeches and march overall were a great way to encourage women to run for office and get people to go out and vote in any elections, big or small.”

-Caroline Salwen (’19)

“This was the second time I have attended the march and it still had the same impact on me.  Even though there was less people it was still a big event. One of the coolest things that happened was that I was less than a few feet from Nancy Pelosi and was able to [greet] her. She is one of the many role models that I was able to see and listen to during the speech aspect of the march.The women’s march means so much to me because it shows me that my views and opinions are valued and that I shouldn’t feel alone.”

-Bethany Tran (’19)

“It was such an exhilarating and emotional experience for me. Participating in the march helped me to embrace my female self: the side of me that follows my intuition and advocates for humanity. However, as I spoke to a couple of sexual assault survivors, I was disheartened to learn that women are treated in such a patronizing manner when they could be the face of America’s modern democracy and warm embrace.”

-Nuha Anwar (’18)

“It was amazing to see such a great turnout for a second year in a row. It’s important that we not only spread the message about women’s rights, but also encourage people to register and vote to influence policy and create change! I loved marching with my friends and people from all around the world.”

-Hannah Chaikin (’19)

“I went to the march because I think it’s important to be informed about our political climate (as there are several elected officials and public figures who speak at the march), and I want to do as much as I can (as a teenager who can’t vote) to influence the government and other people in a positive way. Also it serves as an opportunity to learn from people who lean more to the right because counter protesters always show up and making conversation with them is sometimes uncomfy but necessary because surrounding yourself with one ideology is pretty dangerous. It’s also important that people understand the Women’s March isn’t just for women; it’s for all types of people like the LGTBQ community, POC [people of color], people with disabilities, religious groups, and pretty much anyone who feels like the Trump administration is neglecting them.”

-Annika Santhanam (’20)