Feminist Club hosted their fifth annual International Women’s Day march. There were 200 people in attendance, more than last year, which had 30.
The event was held on March 8 in downtown Colorado Springs. It began at City Hall and was led around a two-mile loop that was then concluded back at City Hall. It was organized by Feminist Club President Alissa Beehler.
“This is four or five times larger than our previous marches, and that is really amazing,” said Feminist Club Advisor ‘Ilaheva Tua’one. She attributes the march’s success to Alissa Beehler, saying she did a lot of work with partnerships to unite those feeling dissent. “This is what we do when we dissent. This is what democracy looks like,” she said.
Beehler collaborated with TESSA, Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado College’s Black Student Union, UCCS’ Sisterhood Club, Gender Minorities in STEM Club and Colorado Springs’ World Affairs Council. Beehler said these collaborations increased attendance for the march which served all of Colorado Springs.
“Marching in smaller communities is very impactful, because we know that we are some of the only people who are going to bring these issues to the attention of the smaller conservative community we live in,” Beehler said.
As attendees met on the steps of City Hall, Tua’one presented a speech about the importance of fighting against oppression.
“If we must die, oh, let us nobly die, so that our precious blood will not be shed in vain. Even the monsters we defy will be constrained to honor us one day,” she said.
Feminist Club provided attendees with posters and a list of chants. Among these were “This is what democracy looks like,” “Yes means yes and no means no” and “two, four, six, eight, separate the church and state.”
After returning to city hall, Tua’one thanked the crowd for their support and for the largest turnout Feminist Club has seen at these marches.
According to Beehler, International Women’s Day is important because it brings attention to what women have accomplished, and all they are yet to accomplish.
“We’re not only celebrating women’s achievements and bringing attention to their contributions that have been overlooked, but also fighting for what we lack,” Beehler said. “Our rights are not protected, and while progress has been made, we are still not protected by the law, by bystanders or from violence.”
Protestors gather at City Hall. Photo by Josiah Dolan.