On Wednesday, the women of New York transformed Washington Square Park into a sea of red to advocate for gender equality and economic equity."A Day Without a Woman," a call to action for women around the world to show the value of women's paid and unpaid labor by striking, coincided with International Woman's Day. The event, which included women from over 50 countries, intended to bring attention to the political and economic oppression women face worldwide. Organizers of the rally were also arrested at the protests after disrupting traffic in front of the Trump Hotel at Columbus Circle.
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Paola Mendoza, the artistic director of the Women's March, spoke to Broadly about the arrests and the day of action: "The most inspiring aspect of a Day Without a Woman is that we continue to see how politically engaged Americans are across the country. Women are organized. Inspired. And we are resisting against this administration. I am fighting for undocumented immigrants rights to remain in this country. I will put my body on the line for the undocumented community always. "We talked to others who attended the rally to hear why they came out in solidarity.
Broadly: Why do you think it's important to express your voice and come together today?Amber: In my opinion, that is at the core of democracy: everyone being able to express how they feel. Everyone is empowered with a voice, and even though that is something that is not really upheld in the US today, i think it makes events like today so incredibly important.
Broadly: What does International Women's Day mean to you?Michelle: I think International Women's Day means to take the day to recognize all the efforts that we put forth in the world that do not get recognized. And women are fucking awesome.
Broadly: What does International Women's Day mean to you?Cicely: It means supporting all women and recognizing the people that have contributed to my well being and supported me. When I think about it, it was the women, not the men, who have picked me up when I needed help. I also think women support men, too, in this way. W world without a woman's empathy would lack compassion.
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Why do you think it's important to express your voice and come together today?I think that social justice movements are absolutely integral for changing public opinion. I think every single march and rally is necessary for change to happen. Each is like a drop in the ocean. You need to start moving the water to make waves. It starts with all these women that came out today.
Broadly: What does International Women's Day mean to you?Melanie: It means united, beautiful, powerful women coming together and showing that we are what makes the Earth go round.
