Cleveland rallies for International Women’s Day champions gender equality and women’s rights.
Today is International Women’s Day, and Cleveland is in full swing, honoring the day with events that emphasize the continued push for gender equality.
Market Square Park was buzzing with energy as a spirited crowd gathered on Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of women came together to support various social and political movements, contributing to a global effort to advance women’s rights.
Kathy Wray Coleman, the lead organizer for Women’s March Cleveland, pointed out that the day is not only about celebration but also about remembering and acknowledging the achievements, culture, and challenges faced by women worldwide.
The rally in Cleveland was one of many held across the country, with activists speaking out against policies enacted under President Donald Trump’s administration. For some, the movement is deeply personal.
“I have two adult children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, so it’s important to me that they are not in danger and can live their lives the way they want to,” one protester said.
The Women’s March continues to advocate for issues such as abortion rights, transgender rights, and veterans’ rights. It was one of several protests held over the weekend.
In Milwaukee, union workers stood alongside employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs, protesting federal cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency—part of the administration’s efforts to reshape the labor force.
“I think the labor market is going to be fantastic, but it’s going to have high-paying manufacturing jobs as opposed to government jobs,” Trump said in archived remarks. “We had too many people in government. This isn’t just now; this has built up for 40 years.”
Back in Cleveland, activists remain focused on making progress.
“It’s a shame that we take a lot of steps forward and then take some back, but maybe that’s just the way it is,” one protester said. “We just have to keep trying to check the backward movement and keep going forward.”
Coleman echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the broader stakes of their efforts.
“This is the fight for democracy and the future of our children and grandchildren,” she said.
