After the Women’s March on Washington inspired hundreds of thousands across the country to take to the streets, more than 500 Gainesville area activists gathered at a church Saturday with one thing in mind: What now?
The meeting, hosted by the nonprofit Women’s March Florida, was held at Gainesville’s Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, but only 400 people could fit inside. About 100 others stood outside, listening to the meeting through speakers.
Ashley Rella, an organizer for the Gainesville/Ocala chapter of Women’s March Florida, said residents should include environmental protection, education, racial justice, immigration policy, LGBTQ+ rights and gun control in their fight for women’s rights. On Jan. 22, when 500,000 protesters marched in Washington, D.C., about 500 protested in Gainesville.
“This is a reminder that we are not going away and we are not going to stop this,” the 38-year-old said. “We are not going to let somebody stop everybody from just being able to live safely in our country.”
Iqra Ahmed, a UF environmental science senior, said she attended the meeting to speak out against President Donald Trump’s administration.
“I just wanted to find something to do about what is happening with our current government rather than just sitting at home posting on Facebook,” the 22-year-old said.
Olivia Stryker, a 72-year-old Gainesville resident, said she’s spent 40 years involved in activism.
“It’s hard, sad and de-energizing to know that we are still doing so much after so much time,” said Stryker, a founding member of the Gainesville Women’s Liberation.
Rella said Women’s March Florida is planning a future march in Gainesville, but dates and details haven’t been determined.
“We are going to need tons of volunteers, because this is not a sprint: It’s a marathon,” she said, “and so we need to have the momentum to continue.”
