Shreveport Woman Is in DC for Woman’s March Today

Thousands of women are in Washington for the Woman's March.

Organizers of Saturday's Women's March on Washington expect more than 200,000 people to attend their gathering, a number that could rival Trump's swearing-in ceremony. The organizers' mission statement says attendees are "hurting and scared" as the new president takes office and want a greater voice for women in political life.

Shreveporter Annette Simmons made the long drive to the nation's capitol to be a part of this day. Simmons tells KEEL News she is excited to be a part of this massive event.

The gathering features a morning rally and afternoon march.

Alyssa Leader of West Monroe is another Louisiana woman in the crowd. She says they hope to deliver a clear message to the new administration.
“We don’t stand for sexism, and not only that we don’t stand for racism. We don’t stand for people making fun of individuals with disabilities or immigrants,” Leader said.

Leader says all of the men and women participating in the march are doing so for different reasons. She says some people are concerned about their immigration status, while others worry about losing their healthcare. She says as an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, for her, this is personal.
“To see somebody elected to the White House that does have a history of having these accusations, has a history of speaking poorly about women, it’s very concerning for me that that excuses violence against women,” Leader said.

The march is a day long event and most women attending say they look forward to the opportunity to stand in solidarity with women and men from around the country.

Saturday's march comes a day after protesters set fires and hurled bricks in a series of clashes that led to more than 200 arrests.