Two years ago, the Women’s March began as a worldwide protest on January 21. The movement was spurred by the offensive statements that President Trump made during his campaign. Some felt that he did not support issues that are highly valued by many, such as human rights, reproductive rights, and the rights of women, workers, and the LGBTQ+ community. Two years later, the public is still marching for these causes.

The march originated from multiple places across the country, and once wind of the event hit Pelham, many residents decided to travel to the White House to participate in the event. Then 7th grader Olivia O’Neil drove to Washington, D.C. with her mother, older sister, and three friends.

“My experience at the Women’s March was life-changing,” O’Neil said. “I don’t think I will experience anything as cool as that. There were just so many people fighting for what is right that it was overwhelming.”

The original Women’s March on Washington had an incredible turnout, with 4.6 million people in attendance. The public is still fighting for the same causes, though on a much smaller scale. This year, some Pelhamites who chose to attend women’s marches stayed closer to home. Freshman Lauren Evans attended the Women’s March in New York City this year, feeling that it was important to voice her opinion.

“The most memorable experience was being surrounded by people who were so passionate and vocal about feminism,” Evans said. “It was really amazing to see all these women come together to make a change.”

Although some advocates are persistent in marching for their beliefs, it seems as though these events are losing steam, despite the fact that many feel little has changed in society.

Rachel Stucky, an educator from Salem, Oregon attended the march in Washington, D.C. this past January.

“I came two years ago. It’s definitely smaller, but the spirit is very much alive,” Stucky said. “The experience I had two years ago was indescribable. I wanted to feel that way again.”

According to the The Washington Post, an estimated 100,000 people marched this year in Washington, a significantly smaller number compared to that of last year.

The New York Times put a positive spin on these numbers, however, attributing this year’s smaller crowds to what has been achieved since the first march in 2017. Since then, an unprecedented number of women have been elected to Congress.

“I think it is important to keep attending women’s marches because what we are fighting for has not been solved,” O’Neil said. “There has been so little change that if we want equality, we have to keep fighting for it. If the marches stop, and no one attends them, it seems as if we are settling without any change, but we aren’t. We need to keep fighting until we get what we want.”