Okanagan Valley will rally at The Sails at the foot of Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna in support of the Women’s March on Washington, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.
Tens of thousands of women are travelling to Washington, D.C. to be part of this historic march on the U.S. capital. For those unable to attend that event, 616 marches in support are being held in more than 57 countries worldwide, including more than 24 Canadian cities.
Participants will march and rally in solidarity with millions around the world one day after the U.S. presidential inauguration.
Canadians are gathering to say loud and clear that discrimination will not be tolerated, and that we all stand in support of all those who have been the targets of hatred within Canada and abroad.
The marches, organized by a grassroots coalition - including many first time organizers - will collectively be one of the largest international demonstrations ever assembled.
The outpouring of support from across Canada reflects its wide diversity, bringing together business owners, religious communities, labour groups, politicians, artists, students, girls, boys, women, men, and non-binary individuals, everyone who believes that women’s rights are human rights and social justice is important will be marching Jan. 21, 2017.
A Call To Action will be presented at the March on Washington, calling on all political parties to adopt the HERS Priorities that Healthcare, Economic Security, Representation, and Safety are Women’s Rights Priorities.
New programs and policy aiming to break down the systems that create gender inequality need to be built on existing human rights frameworks. In Canada, this includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In the Okanagan Valley, local speakers will increase participants’ awareness of the needs within our region. Additional Calls to Action, reflective of the community in which we live, will be presented.
Speakers include:
Chief Roxanne Lindley, Westbank First Nations LGBTQ+ Community
Davin Kula, Director of Education, Okanagan Pride Society
Astir Jack, Etcetera Youth Coordinator, Living Positive Resource Centre LGBTQ+ Youth Voices Women’s Rights “Equality and Safety for Women”
Michelle Novakowski, Executive Director, Elizabeth Fry Society
Nora Bowman, Women’s Studies, Okanagan College Amnesty International – Canadian Sister March Sponsor
Peter Kerr, Amnesty International & Council of Canadians Canadian Labour Congress – Canadian Sister March Sponsor
Karen Abramsen, North Okanagan Labour Council & Council of Canadians #Why I March – Open Mic for People to share their reasons for participating in this rally.
Visit the Canadian Women's March site for information on local solidarity events
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