Women’s Initiative Gathering will host the Hilo Women’s March and Gathering on Jan. 21, 2017, in support of the Women’s March on Washington the same day.
The Hilo event will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. starting at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand. The march begins at 11:30 a.m. and the gathering will include guest speakers and informational booths from various community organizations.
Women’s Initiative Gathering aims to facilitate collaboration by bringing community resources together to educate and raise awareness regarding concerns, issues and resources available to women and marginalized groups. Attendees will walk the sidewalks of Hilo together in solidarity with sister marches happening across the country.
At least 100 sister marches are planned in every state, including five in Hawaii, with marches also planned in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Oslo, Rome, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna and Zurich.
This movement began when Teresa Shook of Maui took to Facebook the night after the election and began inviting friends to join her in a march on Washington. She awoke the next day to more than 40,000 people interested in the event.
The Women’s March on Washington is aiming to represent women and people who identify as women, from all backgrounds, races, religions, ages and abilities. The Hilo Women’s March and Gathering is a family-friendly event and attendees are encouraged to bring their families.
Prospective attendees and those interested in volunteering or hosting an informational booth can visit www.hilowomensmarch.com or Facebook at Women’s March on Washington, Hilo Page, to learn more.
In addition, those interested in receiving updates can email hilowomensmarch@gmail.com and ask to be added to the mailing list. Donations can be made at www.youcaring.com/hilowomensmarch.
“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”
— www.womensmarch.com
