Women unite to send a message around the world and in DC

World Today

Women unite to send a message around the world and in DC

Women throughout the world took the day off work and rallied, all in an effort to unite for Women’s equality around the globe. And some were particularly intent on delivering a message to the White House.

CGTN’s Jim Spellman has the story.

In India, France, Sweden, and around the world, women are taking to the streets to mark International Women’s Day.

The day is designed to highlight issues that impact women and girls, things like equal pay, reproductive rights and health care access. In the U.S., many women stayed home from work hoping to show what the world would be like without their contributions. Some U.S. schools were forced to close when so many teachers and staff took the day off.

There are protests and rallies going on across the United States, but this one right across the street from the White House is meant to send a message to President Donald Trump.

The global events follow on the heels of the Women’s March on Washington the day after Trump’s inauguration in January. Since then, many women who oppose Trump have felt energized.

“People are out here in the streets marching, protesting. I mean, protesting is the new brunch. Everyday, people are protesting, and it’s just so different,” protester Candace Bond-Theriault said.  

Democrats are trying to leverage the women-led protest movement.

“We are here to fight an administration and a Republican Congress that targets our families with backwards and divisive policies,” Katherine Clark, D- Mass, U.S. Congresswoman said.

At the White House, First Lady Melania Trump hosted a luncheon marking the day and President Trump tweeted: “I have tremendous respect for women and the many roles they serve that are vital to the fabric of our society and our economy.”

But protesters say that’s not nearly enough.

“He has to be out of the White House, and we won’t stop until he is. It’s that simple,” Protester Danie Martin said.