What’s At Stake?

Starting at Banker’s Hall at noon, Calgarians will side by side make their way to the municipal building where the official rally will be held. 

What is it all About?

The Women’s Marches began all over the world in 2017 to not only harness the power of female led movements but also as a grassroots initiative giving citizens the opportunity to advocate for  a wide range of issues including racial and economic justice. This year the Calgary chapter of the March is bringing people of all genders, ages, backgrounds, affiliations, and beliefs together to ask, what is at stake? We are living at a complicated time; in a world of increasing fragmentation and hatred, in an era where online movements such as #MeToo and #TimesUp are filling our social media feeds, and in a city that will go through both a provincial and federal election in the next year. We all have a part to play in ensuring that our city and our country continue to be places of acceptance and harmony.

Topics for this Year’s March: What’s At stake?

An important part of  moving forward together is bringing awareness and stirring discussion about the issues that affect us all. The following topics will be expanded on at this year’s march: 

1. Domestic Violence – Did you know in Calgary, police receive more than 18,000 domestic conflict calls per year and one in five of them involve some sort of physical violence? 
2. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women – Did you know there are currently 272 documented cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women right here in our province?
3. Democracy & Getting Politically Involved – Did you know that the Canadian Parliament is composed of only 26% women putting us behind Burundi, Cuba, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, just to name a few? 

Leading Up to the March:

There are three things you can do to get ready for the March on January 19th.

1. Film a short video! Explain what is at stake for you and your community this coming year. Why do you March? Make sure to tag your video with @wmwyyc on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to be featured.
2. Donate to the #WeforSheYYC impact fund! Something that will set YYC apart this year is the Impact Fund facilitated by United Way which will raise money for women serving programs right here in Calgary. 100% of the profits received will be split among organizations such as the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, the Elizabeth Fry Society, and many more. The fund will be open from now until International Women’s Day on March 8th. Click here to donate. 
3. Commit to coming to the March..and bringing a friend! After all 80% of success is showing up.

At the March: 

There is no doubt, many will leave inspired to action, and ready to create change, but then what?

1. Pledge to Vote! With two high stake elections coming up, the best way to make sure your voice is heard is to get to the polling stations. Whatever your opinion may be, it’s not only a right but also a responsibility to mark that ballot.
2. Ask Others to Vote! Tell everyone in your circles to get out there and vote as well. The Women’s March is all about creating small positive changes starting with everyday people like yourselves. 
3. Ask Political Leaders! Making sure you are an educated voter is just as important. Check out the platforms of your potential leaders on women and human rights issues or anything else that impacts you.

Looking for Tangible Ways to Participate?

On Thursday, January 17th at 6pm, the Women’s Centre for Calgary will also be hosting a sign making event. And, if you are looking for someone to walk with, community members of all genders are invited to meet at the Women’s Centre at 11:15am, on the day of, before the March.

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