Prince George joins cities around the world hosting solidarity events with Women’s March on Washington

Thousands of people are expected to attend the Women’s March on Washington tomorrow. Solidarity events have also been organized in cities around the world, including one here in Prince George.

Zoe Meletis, who also organized the Inspired Women Among us series this fall, says she felt a duty to put together a local event after receiving multiple inquiries from the community.

“I really blame the lovely citizens of PG because they kept emailing me and asking, ‘Zoe, when’s the march? Where’s the march?’ and eventually I thought, ok I’ve gotten too many of these things now so we better do something because people obviously want to stand in solidarity.”

The event developed as a reaction to President Trump’s inauguration today.

“It’s standing together, showing solidarity across the globe for women’s rights as human rights, as central rights. Society benefits if you lift women up. If they have better access to education, health care, fairer wages, we all win. It’s really not a zero sum game.”

Meletis urges people not to lose hope for ideals like equality but not to get complacent either.

“It’s also about celebrating the struggles that have come before. The suffragettes, the second wave feminists won rights that we’re now sitting back and thinking maybe we don’t have to worry about. These can be taken away and in fact they are quite under threat in the United States as well as other countries.”

The local event will take place at the Civic Plaza from 10 am until noon. Meletis says says the invitation to attend goes out to everyone in Prince George.

“Come and join us. All genders welcome. I know a lot of men who are real staunch feminists and believe in equal rights. Bring a creative sign. Dress warmly and get ready to do some chants and songs and hear some thoughts on where we’ve been and where we should be going.”

She says community is crucial at a time like this.

“It is about, not just sisterhood, but standing in community and remembering that, despite whatever threats are out there, there are people doing good works and trying to lift society up. I think we really see that in Prince George.”

Solidarity marches will also be held in Canadian cities including Vancouver, Kelowna, Ottawa and Toronto. They will also take place in London, UK and nearly every American state.