The women’s march

In a matter of minutes, property tycoon and reality TV show star Donald Trump will be officially sworn in as President of the Unite States today (January 20) in an inaugural ceremony.

His controversial ascendancy to arguably the most powerful position in the world has helped normalise some of the vilest ideas, with a documented rise in racist, Islamophobic, homophobic and misogynistic attacks across the US following the country’s general election in November.

On the campaign trail, Trump became famous for his misogynistic remarks. His policy positions on women’s reproductive and employment rights would take American progress back by a century.

For example, he has pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices who would look to repeal Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that legalised abortion in the US. He has also said he wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which has given millions of women free access to birth control and prenatal care.

Trump is against policies which will particularly benefit working women, such as a $15 an hour minimum wage and paid maternity and family leave.

But Donald Trump’s rise to power has not only angered progressives in America – a women’s march in Washington D.C. being held tomorrow (January 20) is spawning a global movement, with events being held in countries the world over, including the UK.

All should attend

Unite London and Eastern region is helping to organise a march in London tomorrow at noon, which will start at the American Embassy and will loop around Trafalgar Square before ending at Waterloo Place with a rally from 2 pm to 3.30 pm. Although the march is led by women, all are encouraged to attend because the economic and social justice issues that affect women most in the end affect us all.

The Women’s March on London website explains the ethos that will underpin tomorrow’s march in London and across the world.

“Our liberation is bound in each other’s,” the site notes. “The Women’s March on London includes organizations and communities that have been building the foundation for social progress for generations.

“We welcome vibrant collaboration and honour the legacy of the movements before us – the suffragists and abolitionists, the trade unionists, the feminist movement, the gay rights movement, anti-poll tax, anti-austerity, anti-war, support for refugees and migrants, environmental rights, anti-racism, anti-Islamophobia and more – by employing a decentralised, leader-full structure and focusing on an ambitious, fundamental and comprehensive agenda.”

Sister marches will be held throughout the UK too, in Bangor, Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Shipley, Southampton, St Austell and York.

Unite assistant general secretary for equalities Diana Holland is calling for all to come together and support the march.

“The Women’s March tomorrow (January 21) is a time for us to rebuild the powerful call for unity, equality, justice and human rights,” she said.

“We say no to the politics of division and hate, no to violence against women, harassment, racism and attacks on migrant workers, and no turning the clock back on women’s rights and choices.”

“Trump’s ascendancy is a worrying one, especially considering that his election is occurring in conjunction with the rise of far-right parties across the world.

“As US president he will wield significant influence globally in ways that we have not even begun to imagine – that’s why we need to join our sisters and brothers in Washington D.C. and in cities across the world to stand up and say no to the hatred he and others like him represent,” she added.

“Trump’s presidency threatens in particular to have dire consequences for women. Our trade union sisters in Workers Uniting, (Unite and the USW), have told us how the progress made over decades on issues like sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and equal pay are all now under threat.”

“When equality and justice are compromised, in the end we all suffer.

“That’s why I call on Unite women to come along to tomorrow’s march, and all men who support equality to support the march, too.”
“We must join together in solidarity to protect and build on the progress we have made – rights which we’ve fought for and won will be taken away if we don’t remain vigilant.”

Find out how you can participate in tomorrow’s march here.