According to New York Times, approximately 200,000 protesters marched through New York City on Saturday. Approximately 600,000 protesters marched through Los Angeles and 300,000 in Chicago, just to name a few of many cities across the United States doing the same.
These nationwide gatherings marked the one-year anniversary since the 2017 Women’s March held around the world in support of women’s rights and in protest of President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The movement was a monumental display of women’s power over inequality and sexism. People flooded the streets of every major city across the country and in other countries for their voices to be heard. And they were.
Although last year’s Women’s March ranked as the largest protest in U.S. history, a lot has come to light since last January. The news has overflowed with cases of sexual assault allegations in Hollywood since early October. Women, men and members of the LGBTQ+ community have reported being victimized by assaults, many of which were perpetrated by co-stars or big-time producers.
Attendees to the 75th Golden Globes dressed in all black in support of “Times Up,” an initiative to empower sexual assault victims.
Women have united together through the #MeToo movement across social media as well, which draws attention to sexual assault and harassment in the workplace. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reported receiving more hotline calls in light of this movement, with 209,480 total calls in 2017. According to reuters.com, this was the most calls RAINN has received since its start 25 years ago.
More people are receiving the help they need. More people are being held accountable for their actions.
The world is evolving into a new age where people, particularly women, can stand up against their abusers. No longer must they feel alone or responsible for the crimes of someone who took advantage of them.
Let this dethroning of sexual abusers in Hollywood be an example for the future. Let these women marching for justice be an example for the future. If these fights for equality and against sexual assault continue to progress, maybe one day they will no longer have to.
