Statement from NOW President Toni Van Pelt:
Today a mass mobilization of activist women is rising up to march for women’s rights around the country, and NOW is proud to be part of these historic actions. We turn our attention to the power women have as citizens, activists and voters to defend women’s rights and elect feminist women and allies to office.
I am proud to be delivering the keynote speech at the Women’s March in Seneca Falls, NY, birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement. I will stand on this hallowed ground and speak to my sister activists about ending violence against women, protecting the environment, defending reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights and rights for immigrants, and so many other of our core issue areas.
This week women achieved a historic victory with the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) by the Virginia General Assembly, making Virginia the 38th and last state needed for the ERA become part of the U.S. Constitution. There are a few more steps to take, and NOW, our grassroots activists and our partners will lead us this final mile. That is why NOW Vice President Christian F. Nunes, along with NOW staff, local chapters and supporters, are marching our historic ERA-banner down the streets of Washington, D.C. today.
The first women’s march came together like lightning in a bottle—as the idea spread, it became unstoppable. In the weeks after Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in the Electoral College women realized they could not stand by in silence.
Today we are just as determined, just as resolute, and just as on course for a transformational change in 2020. NOW is proud to join the countless women who are marching today. Our journey is far from over.
Contact
Kimberly Hayes, Press Secretary, press@now.org, 202-570-4745