CHARLESTON, W.Va — Hundreds of women and supporters jammed the south side of the state capitol grounds in Charleston Saturday afternoon for the Women’s March rally that was being repeated in Washington, D.C. and around the nation.
The nationwide rally came a day after Donald Trump was sworn-in as the 45th President of the United States.
West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore released the following statement Saturday:
“They always say you never know someone’s struggles until you walk a mile in their shoes.
Today women from different walks of life & all across the United States will come together and stand up for equality, fight against discrimination, and march for what they believe in.
The beautiful thing about our country is that she hears every voice, recognizes every difference and is built upon the value of freedom. Sometimes it’s forgotten, but this country and her freedom is ours too.
We have a lot to fight for and I am honored and humbled to be a part of a day like today and a future that we’re beginning with millions and millions of other women.
Women have fought long and hard and still seem to come up short when it comes to equality. That’s not right. Women’s rights are human rights and should be treated as such.
We’re in a fight for something every single day whether it’s our reproductive rights, equal pay, or the simple act of being treated with respect.
Our rights haven’t been given from privilege, but have been fought for by people like us.
While today marks an unfathomable act of togetherness, we need to be sure we’re bringing this energy, determination and fight home with us. We need to grab our clipboards, our walking shoes and we need to fight for the future of West Virginia.
Our leadership begins with you. Knock on doors, fight for candidates and people who share your values, or run for office yourself.
We can’t give up and we can only do the most good for West Virginia and her people if we do it together.”
Trump garnered nearly 70 percent of the vote in West Virginia on Election Day last November. He tweeted Saturday “I am honored to serve you, the great American People, as your 45th President of the United States!”
The crowd was so large for the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. that it prevented the organizers from leading the march to the White House.