We Sent College Students to the Women’s March. Here’s Why They Marched.

The Women’s March and corresponding national and global protests on January 21st represented an incredible showing of joyful resistance — to anti-choice politicians, to what Donald Trump’s administration represents, and so much more.

Thanks to the generous donations of NARAL members, young activists were able to travel to the cornerstone march event, the Women’s March on Washington, here in D.C. They came from as far as Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Wisconsin to march alongside us, and their explanations for why they were marching remind us that we should never underestimate the power of young women and girls.

Read more from the activists themselves.

“As a gay woman, it’s important for me to have access to information that is not widely accessible about responsible sex, options for having children, and supporting LGBTQ rights.” — Briana S., University of Wisconsin-Madison

“Women will always be oppressed if the right to make this decision for themselves is continually limited or stripped from them. NARAL helps women to be autonomous and fosters their full participation in a society that continually tries to limit women’s opportunities, and I am excited to stand next to other women in D.C. that are tired of people without uteruses determining what we’re allowed to do with them.” — Jamie L., University of Wisconsin-Madison

“I am marching because every human of every gender deserves the freedom and independence to make decisions about their own bodies, and the education in order to do so.” — Lauren P., University of Wisconsin-Madison

“I march for my sisters around the world who do not have the privilege to speak out for themselves. I march for my sisters of color in the United States who are disproportionately affected by the issues we face.” — Abby P., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

“I march to support a resilient, diverse sisterhood in telling a demagogue that his bigotry, sexism, and hatred is not welcome here and will be met with unrelenting resistance. In solidarity with a community of empowered and empowering women, I march for environmental justice, reproductive rights, and the marginalized.” — Christina K., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

“This march represents the beginning of the next fight; I want to show all of the people who are scared, tired, and are losing hope that just because we lost the election, we are not giving up.” — Maggie G., University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

“I march for women everywhere that couldn’t, those that could, and myself. I march for the right to safe, accessible, and affordable reproductive health care, for equal pay, and to be treated like human beings. I march to show president Donald Trump that we will not stand for his blatant disrespect towards women.” — Alissa K., Ohio University

“I marched for the women and minorities who made it so that I am able to march, and to ensure that the women and minorities of the future don’t have to.” — Clancy T., Ohio University

“I marched to remind everyone that hope still exists and that people are not alone in their fear and worry. I marched to send a message to our representatives that they will be held accountable for their actions.” — Michi H., Ohio University

“I marched for the future and towards what I wanted our world to look like. I marched for equality, peace, love and (re)sisterhood. Females are truly strong as hell.” — Sam M., Ohio University

“I myself am bisexual cisgender woman, but I don’t just march for myself. I march for my trans sisters; my Muslim sisters; my Black sisters; my disabled sisters; my Hispanic sisters. I march for women now, but also for women in the future. I march for us all.” — Angela E., Ohio State University

“I was absolutely honored to be a part of history from its central location — something I definitely couldn’t have done without the help of NARAL and their donors. After this tough election season, it was reassuring to be around so many others who echoed the same sentiments that I have, and to be around those who are also willing to take the necessary steps toward equality.” — Alexa B., Ohio State University

“I march so my little sisters can grow up without harmful policies that imply they are not in control of their own bodies. I march for the women before me, to prove we can finish the work they started.” — Sydney J, Ohio State University

“Activism isn’t a calling or a career. It’s an everyday responsibility that all of us, with all of our flaws — but especially with our strengths, can and must pursue.” — Sughey R., New Hampshire College Democrats

“I was there for my immigrant mother. An extraordinary woman who has given up her life in order for my sister and me to have a greater one. She has been fighting to be part of this country and it’s culture but as an immigrant it can be tough at times. But she keeps going. I was there for my sister who shouldn’t grow up in a country where she is looked as inferior in the workforce just because she is a woman. I was there for all my female friends who know that they are not fully equal under the law. Men too long have been deciding for women. Enough is enough. It is the 21st century and women rights are still into question. I was there for Muslim women, for undocumented women, for women with pre-existing conditions and for the future generations of bad -ass women.” — Joshua Z., New Hampshire College Democrats

“I am proud to have been able to stand up to an administration and a government which doesn’t acknowledge or respect the rights of half of the population they serve, and I am so proud to have been able to do it with such an amazing group of women and men. The Women’s March in Washington, DC made history, and I am grateful to have been there to witness it.” — Breanna S., New Hampshire College Democrats

“This weekend was the first time I participated in a protest. … This is only the beginning — we must continue to be the voice of reason throughout the next few tumultuous years ahead.” — Angela C., New Hampshire College Democrats

We’re thrilled these women were able to be in D.C. for the march of a lifetime, and that would not have been possible without the generous giving of our members.

See more highlights from the Women’s March on our Flickr here: http://nar.al/5ss