The 19th Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees women the right to vote, marking a major victory in the fight for gender equality. More than a century after the women’s suffrage movement helped secure this amendment, activists continue to advocate for women’s rights nationwide.
Many of these activists gathered to march with the 10th Annual Women’s March on Jan. 17, held in Ventura, Calif., with the theme “Courage is Contagious”. Taking place in Plaza Park, the event featured booths from social justice organizations, speeches by local leaders and a march through Downtown Ventura.
The event officially commenced at 10 a.m. with a plethora of booths available for marchers and visitors to peruse. Groups including the League of Women Voters, Youth Right to Rise and Planned Parenthood were present at the event, with Justice for All Ventura County organizing the event.
“This is our 10th annual Women’s March, so we’ve been doing this now for 10 years, and I think it’s a really important touchstone for the community, to be supportive of activists in the community and encourage people to come out and get excited about the work ahead and to connect with all of these organizations that are here today,” Shane Meserve, Board President of Justice for All Ventura County, said.
Many of the organizations present manned booths with promotional materials, free resources, connection opportunities with local chapters and even games to educate the community on topics their organization focuses on.
“Events like this give us an opportunity to talk with people about voting, about making sure they’re registered to vote, making sure they know how to get informed before they vote, and getting involved in the community because our communities, our local communities are what run the country,” Betsy Patterson, who ran the League of Women Voters booth, said.
Some visitors shared their motivations for attending and participating in the event, while others commented on the nature of the march as a place for community members to gather and express their opinions.
“It’s a good way for people to see what organizations are out there and … see what you might want to get involved in or what t-shirt you want to buy,” Cherie Eulau, march attendee and former Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) teacher, said.
Jonathan Ullman attended as a representative of the Sierra Club, a national environmental organization dedicated to protecting wild places and fighting against climate change.
“I think it’s important to reach out and make sure that the public is not afraid to speak out. We’re talking about courage, being courageous, and today, freedom of speech is a courageous act. Unfortunately, it wasn’t this way when I remember it 10 years ago, five years ago. There’s definitely a pall in speaking out and just demonstrating your ability to be an American,” Ullman said.
Activists commented on the importance of the march in the community, with it being the 10th anniversary of the event.
“It’s really important to show that people care about what’s happening in the country, and not only … in this country, but all over the world also, because right now the world kind of looks like it’s going mad, and these events, they can show that there are people … who are standing for what’s right. And it’s important for all of us to see this support, these like-minded people around,” Aleksei, a representative of Viva Ukraine, said.
As marchers circled back to Plaza Park at 12 p.m., holding signs and chanting through the streets, the 10th Annual Women’s March reflected its theme, “Courage is Contagious”. Participants united for women’s rights and social justice, continuing the legacy of advocacy that began over 100 years ago. Through collective action and peaceful assembly, attendees demonstrated that progress toward equality is strengthened when communities stand together.
