By Korrien Hopkins
This past week, hundreds of thousands of people joined women’s marches across the country and the world. Men and women marched for any number of issues, from racial equality to sexism. Teens and smaller children also took to the streets carrying signs of resistance against the inequalities within our society. Although I didn’t have a chance to go to the march this year, I got to see the flood of empowering photos that hit the media. Every year, I take the time to look at the powerful and creative signs being held and see those that are holding them. My favorite to see are the young feminists and “feminists in training.” They are all photographed holding impactful signs and it is just freaking adorable. I’m sure myself and many others can agree that the kids are cute, but can we all agree that they are necessary and needed at the marches as well? Many may wonder if the Women’s March is an appropriate place for those that young. I think it’s fine, but it’s also important to give them a little background knowledge before attending.
In all reality it’s their future that we’re working for. I think participating in the Women’s March is teaching them action. It’s easy to express your disappoint with something. It’s easy to want change. But what is a goal without action? Taking them to marches and rallies shows them their power. Even at such young ages they are learning that they have power and responsibility, and most importantly, that they are not alone. The principle foundations of what the Women’s March stands for, as stated on their website, is “to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change… [and] dismantling systems of oppression through nonviolent resistance.” Grounded in the non-violent ideology of the Civil Rights movement, the Women’s March is a prime opportunity to show your children how to participate in civil, safe protest while teaching them how to stand up for what they believe in.