Downtown Women’s Rally calls for gender equality

The second annual Women’s Rally on Raleigh began early Saturday morning on Halifax Mall and aimed to rejuvenate activists both young and old about tackling social issues faced by women and minority groups nationwide.

Hundreds of people gathered, many wearing themed costumes and holding signs with clever, powerful phrases above their heads. Tables of sponsors lined the sidewalk, encouraging attendees to register to vote, contact their representatives and volunteer at progressive events.  

Sarah Moncelle, a member of the Women’s Rally on Raleigh planning committee, said she was excited to mobilize people, as well as connect them with activist organizations in North Carolina.

“It’s great for anyone to take opportunities to listen to people share their experiences that may be vastly different from your own,” Moncelle said. “We’re really excited to have a diverse group of activists speak about their work professionally.”

The event was also attended by young people wearing their college apparel that was decorated in pink and rainbows.

Jena Phillips, a second-year studying political science, was one of many NC State students in attendance.

“We are the leaders of tomorrow,” Philips said. “If we’re not going to get involved, and we’re not going to do something, then who is?”

Hakeem Dykes, a third-year studying political science and psychology at Shaw University, also contributed to the student presence. Dykes discussed the empowerment from being around women who want to stand up for themselves.

“As a black man, it is my responsibility to show support, camaraderie and unity with women,” Dykes said. “It’s not really a choice; it’s a responsibility.”

Dykes also elaborated on why he feels the responsibility to be a part of equal rights movements.

“We’re the future,” Dykes said. “To know what to do, we have to be involved in the now, so we can make good decisions in the future.

Several community organizations were present at the rally to show their support and connect with attendees.

Stronger NC is a nonprofit that focuses on providing voter education through tool kits that simplify the path and promoting civic engagement at a local, state and federal level. Jennifer Rudolph, a representative from the organization, explained the importance of civic engagement and how Stronger NC works towards it.

“We believe that democracy only works when voters are informed and engaged, so being [at the Women’s Rally on Raleigh] gives us the chance to help spread the word about issues that affect every single North Carolinian, regardless of their race or gender or sex,” Rudolph said.

Another group present at the rally was Triangle Daily Call to Action, a grassroots organization that creates scripts daily to be used for contacting congressional and state lawmakers. Chuck Tryon, the event representative, contributed ideas for college students to become more socially active.

“The most important things college students can do would be phone banking and canvassing,” Tryon said. “You tell them about candidates, you tell them about issues. I think it makes a huge difference to know that someone from the political party or someone associated with the political candidate wants to communicate with you.”

María Tudela, a graduate assistant at the NC State Women’s Center, attended the event to gain a sense of community and solidarity.

“[The Women’s March] is a space for solidifying resistance among a group of people,” Tudela said. “It’s a way to form community; a community that stands together despite the differences that attendees may have.”

Tudela also said that although the event primarily supports women, its feminist intents are multifaceted.

“It’s more than just an event to bring people together,” Tudela said. “It’s an event that brings awareness to a variety of issues that need to be talked about.”