In a show of solidarity with the D.C. Women’s March, between 80,000 and 100,000 women, men, and very nasty children and babies marched on London. The March started in front of the U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square and ended with a rally at Trafalgar Square.
For us, the day started with a train ride from Cambridge packed with people preparing for the March, including a purple pram decorated with a sign that read: “Such a Nasty Baby.”
The beginning of our March, on the train from Cambridge to London. Photo courtesy of @queencharlot.
The short tube ride from King’s Cross to Oxford Circus, a few blocks away from the March’s starting point, was so full that exiting the station happened at a snail’s pace.
Our de facto March commencement, at the Oxford Circus underground station.
A pair of older women led everyone waiting to get out of the underground in a rendition Solidarity Forever, the union anthem set to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The crowd waiting for the start of the March.
Crowds backed up more than two blocks away from the March’s designated start.
Some very British signs.
The atmosphere of the London march was jovial and inclusive, with speeches by comedian and co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party Sandi Toksvig as well as Labour MP Yvette Cooper. Notable attendees included London mayor Sadiq Khan, writer and comedian Caitlin Moran, Hamilton creator Lin Manuel Miranda, and Sir Ian McKellen.
The March was so successful that nearly two hours after the rally’s scheduled start time demonstrators were still pouring into Trafalgar Square.
As readers of this site already well know, it is important to keep up the momentum of this global movement, and ensure it materialises into action. Women, however, have never had the privilege of being off the clock, and I am confident now is no exception.
We are grateful to the women of yesterday. We are proud of the women of today. We want more for the women of tomorrow.
Shoutout to a less covered Women’s March: that of Lexington, KY, which included the mother of this very proud author, and 5,000 others
The crowd at the close of the Lexington, KY Women’s March.
