COLUMBUS – Ohioans will be among the tens of thousands participating in Saturday’s Women’s March on Washington during Donald Trump’s first full day in office as 45th president of the United States.
Sandhya Gupta of Cleveland Heights is among those driving to the nation’s capital. She says it’s crucial to stand up for the rights of all people, no matter their gender, race, orientation or religious background.
“Equality, inclusion and respect for all people is really important,” she said. “And whoever is in power has to pay attention to voices who are calling for those really basic, important American values, and values promoting human rights.”
At least 200,000 people are estimated to attend the D.C. march and “sister” marches will also be held in hundreds of other cities, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo.
“The people recognize that they’re not alone, they don’t have to be afraid. We still live in a civil democracy where we can express our points of view and dissent in a peaceful manner, and come together,” said Kauser Razvi of Cleveland, who is also making the trip to the nation’s capital.
Gupta knows many who are bringing their daughters to the march.
“It’s important way for them to show their daughters how to stand up for what they believe in, and to know that they have a voice in making change, whether it be in Washington or other areas of government,” she said
Gupta is convinced the work won’t stop once the marching ends, with advocates ready to mobilize ahead of the 2018 midterm elections.