Kenya Hunt
There have been a lot of debates among my friends and peers about whether or not to participate in the march because we have yet to see people march by the millions for the rights of other overlooked groups of people, whether it be the protection of black bodies from the police or the relief of Syrian immigrants from war.
And while I get the sense of frustration out there, it wouldn't have sat well with me personally to stay home and not participate, especially when the stakes are as high as they are.
I marched to fight for the gains won by all of those who have marched before me: the right to vote, take control of our bodies, have equal education, love and marry whomever we want, use whatever bathroom we want, to name just a few and for my little boy and all the generations to come to have the same.
Michelle Duguid
My great grandmother was a suffragette and it feels shocking that we are still fighting the same fight over a hundred years later. So I marched for her, for my Son so he grows up to be a nice man and lastly for our fundamental freedom which has been so threatened by recent political events.
Rachael Evans
I was actually really torn about going or not going. I don¹t like the idea of going to something for the sake or it, or so I can post on social media about it and I felt that the march had a strong element of that.
I also don't like the idea that despite the fact the Donald trump is awful - USA is still a 1st world country and we don't feel as impassioned to march for other tragedies that are ignored (too many to list).
HOWEVER - I was overcome by the idea that this march was a joining together of so many issues and felt like it was a way for people (all people) to join together and show that there is a lot of us and we do not agree with Donald or what he is preaching and I think it was positive.
What I hope now is that people maintain the feeling - and not use it as a moral get out of jail free card. Going on a march on a sunny Saturday with your middle class friends is not enough.
Natasha Bird
I marched for many, many reasons. But in large part due to a pertinent conversation I had with my mum. She had to do all of this for her generation in the 60s and 70s and she told me how exhausted and disheartened she was feeling that progress had moved at such a snail's pace, despite so many women's persistent and vehement campaigning.
It made me realise, more than I ever have, that it's my generation's turn to take up the mantle and show my mum's generation that we get it and we're willing to fight just as hard and just as ferociously as they have; that we support and thank them for all that they did to pave the way for me, my sister and our peers and to demonstrate that we will do the same for our daughters and their friends.
Katie O'Malley
I marched to show solidarity for the American people, many of whom feel threatened, vilified and disconnected, rather than inspired, represented or supported by their president.
I marched in the hope that things will and can change. I marched to show misogyny, sexism and exclusivity have no place in society. I marched so my footsteps echoed those of generations of men and women before me who fought for equal rights.
I marched for my Mum, my friends, my colleagues and my future daughters. I marched to show that everyone's voice – regardless of gender, race, age, sexuality, income, etc – will never be silenced by intolerance.
Rosie Cave
It was an amazing experience to march with the ELLE team on Saturday. Working in such a creative office with these talented, inspiring women, I wanted to march alongside them. I am inspired by the women in my life every day, and wouldn't be where I am today without them. It's a shame that some people in the world don't see it the way I do.
Women are powerful, and the amount of people who came out on Saturday proved that a million times over.
Kelsey Freeman
Because I am still in shock that Donald Trump is the President of America. So many of the awful things that have come out of his mouth shouldn't be said or thought by anyone let alone by someone with such power over our world.
A lot of friends from my hometown were completely unaware that the march was happening, but when I told them about it they seemed quite interested but had other plans, I wanted to go for them and stand for something that matters, they might consider coming next time!
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BPf-GBwBqvi/?taken-by=... [/instagram]
Daisy Murray
I was inspired to march by the women in Poland, who showed me actions can get results. I marched for the women in Ireland, to repeal the 8th, for Planned Parenthood, to ensure its funding, and to give a message that our reproductive rights are not up for grabs, anywhere.
Sam (my boyfriend) said he marched because, 'it is more important now than ever to take an active role in protesting against inhumane and indecent abuses of everyone's rights, especially womens'.
Susan Ward-Davies
I marched to show my abhorrence of the misogynist, racist, xenophobic, nationalistic, protectionist values of Donald Trump, and it was so uplifting to see there are so many people- all over the world - who also object to him so strongly.
I marched because it is very alarming that there are clearly plenty of Americans who agree with his views, who think it is ok to treat women like objects, see immigrants like some kind of invading swarm, and who think it is newly acceptable to make sickeningly racist remarks on social media (I'm looking at you Pamela Ramsey Taylor and Beverly Whaling) - in no small part due to the example of the new president.
I want my daughter to grow up in a fairer, safer, kinder world - with equality for all regardless of gender, race, nationality and income bracket.
Lulu Cooper
I marched because even if it doesn't make a difference I think it's important for future generations to know we gave a shit.
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BPiHMtTAwtJ/?taken-by=... [/instagram]
Alex Holder
Everyone is down on it being middle class and white, but isn't it great that finally people that have sat pretty before are getting out and becoming politically active? Standing Rock and the women of Poland recently showed us that protesting works. Now we just need to remember to keep active. We can't just be activists for one day.
[instagram ]https://www.instagram.com/p/BPhvSRpgUhM/?taken-by=... [/instagram]
