The Stories of Our Signs

All quotations are taken from actual signs at the NYC Women’s March.

On a beautiful, sunny Saturday in January, I found myself amidst tens of thousands of people on Central Park West marching for women’s rights. We had all somehow managed to survive a politically devastating and emotionally exhausting year and now had hit the streets to demonstrate our discontent and outrage.

Things are so bad even the introverts are here.

The revelations about Harvey Weinstein and so very many other men in the entertainment, political and journalism professions have focused a glaring spotlight on the pervasive sexual harassment and sexual abuse women have suffered—mostly in silence—for so long. The accusations have come from the bottom of the economic ladder all the way up to the very top—the President!

No government housing for sex offenders (superimposed on a picture of the White House)

The silent outrage women have felt for oh, so long is finally gaining voice and gaining volume. Women’s stories of pervasive sexual harassment and abuse are beginning to be believed and are beginning to be dealt with seriously. Women are gaining courage to speak their truth from the courage of other women.

Here’s to strong women

May we know them

May we be them

May we raise them

The momentum for systemic change is building—not just in the U.S. but all over the world. There were more than two hundred and sixty marches globally!

This is not a moment
This is a movement

Women are rising up! They are fed up with being second class citizens—receiving lower wages than men for the same work, being subjected to sexual harassment and abuse, being woefully under represented in political office and positions of power and having men make decisions about their bodies.

 We are not ovary-acting

Being at the march was empowering and uplifting. There were people of all ages, many of whom were girls and women in their twenties and thirties. Middle aged and older women were also out in large numbers. It was encouraging to see a lot of men as well, lending support to the women in their lives and to this just cause.

Girls with dreams

Become women with vision

The winds of change are definitely in the air. I believe we have reached a dramatic tipping point.

Respect my existence

Or expect my resistance

The discussion of women’s rights has gained strength and urgency and a stronger sense of determination. There’s no turning back! Now women must turn this enthusiasm and new sense of strength into action.

They must take the next step and become a force at the polls in every election. They must vote! And run for office themselves. They must bring about the change they envision—no more standing passively in the shadows.

It’s time to leave 2017 behind—and to move from feelings of helplessness, depression and overwhelm into action.

Scared and angry and HOPEFUL

It’s time for our

rEVOLution

The time is now! Onward to victory.

 

 

About

Ann Kaslow is retired educator whose career spanned more than 30 years. She earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Brooklyn College, an MA in Education from University of Denver and a PhD in Teaching Reading from Fordham University. She devotes her energy to creative pursuits, family and friends and doing what she can to make the world a better place.