Monday, January 23, 2017

Empowering Women's March, 2017, Vancouver

I FOLLOWED the bobbing umbrella down the street during the Women's March in Vancouver this weekend. The weather cooperated with minimum drizzle and although the morning was chilly nothing could stifle the energy that surged through the people participating.

We marched shoulder to shoulder as the crowd kept growing.

Signage was everywhere and people proudly expressed their views.

Before we marched, speakers urged us to remain active. It was noted that although we would like to think otherwise, Canada is not immune to racism and sexism. Equality, diversity, inclusion ... these must not be empty words.

Musicians added to the upbeat feeling that hovered over the grand occasion.

Police were on hand to keep traffic flowing.

Pets also came along. Pink was the colour of the day.

Plenty of men were happy to show their support.

Some folks wore clothing exemplifying the inner spark that had been lit.

"Let their hate fuel our fire so we may burn brighter," one sign said.

These two marchers delighted everyone with their creative costumes.

A chant occasionally roared out. Passion and peace filled the air.

I was grateful to share the experience with a dear friend ...

as well over 15,000 thousand other women.

Picture takers were everywhere commemorating the historic walk.

All ages were represented.

Some didn't actually walk but rode on their parent's shoulders.

Yes, there were messages about love but a fighting spirit was present.

Women rights ARE human rights and sometimes we don't even recognize when those rights are being trampled on.

The words above are a twist on a well-known prayer. They say, "I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept."

Above is the only signage NOT appreciated. Some in Vancouver are trying to have the name removed from the building. This is where the march ended.

In a celebratory mood after the event, my friend and I went for lunch. Along the way we met local artist Chris Turo.

Here is a look at a painting he did that my friend purchased. Chris also carves lovely wooden feathers. An example can be seen HERE.

After lunch we returned near to where we started at Canada Place. The Olympic Cauldron stood virtually alone. The crowd had dispersed, the signage was gone and not a trace of litter was left behind. Along the way we discovered an alley painted beautifully in bright colours reflecting the joyfulness of our day.


Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle to view more BC scenes.

To see more sights from around the globe visit OUR WORLD at the sidebar.

This post will also be linked to SIGNS, SIGNS.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

12 comments:

  1. I'm sure there will be many more demonstrations as I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel under his leadership.

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  2. Well, Maria, your post inspired lots of thoughts but maybe the first one to pop into my head is, "Good for you for being out there, expressing your feelings, and sharing those valid and important thoughts with those of us who chose not to march." I am still trying to figure out why I didn't go. I sympathize with and understand completely the many people horrified by uncouth and immature and just plain WRONG attitudes expressed by Donald Trump. Like you, I hope I will find a positive and non-bitter way to make my responses known and to effect a change, no matter how small. In the mean time, thank you for those wonderful photos and for the eloquent description of your day!

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  3. Yes - interesting times indeed! (Maria I was unable to post a comment on your Postcards site; there didn't seem any link to do so?) I am heading your way next week, en route to a wonderful 2-month stay on Vancouver Island; SO looking forward to its beauty - not to mention escaping the brutal 35-42+C temperatures of South Australia! :-)

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  4. Thanks for sharing these fantastic shots and fun that you had an umbrella to follow. I have been encouraged by how many sister marches around the world took place as well as how large the marches in DC and other cities in the U.S. were.

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  5. #thisiswhatdemocracylookslike.

    thanks for the images and for your participation.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  6. Oh Penelope ~ I am so glad to see your photos of the women's march in Vancouver ~ Wonderful post and photos ~ I am so saddened by the new President in the USA ~ and we too had marches ~ I am hoping it will wake the country up ~

    Wishing you a peaceful and happy week ~ ^_^

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  7. Your photos gave me a feeling of how it felt to be there, Penelope. It’s definitely so nice to go out to demonstrate for what you value on such a cold, rainy day. As I watch the TV coverages about Trump, I’m caught with disgust.

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  8. Exelent photos of the women's march. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Thank you for sharing the hope and love. . I wanted so badly to be home in Oregon for the day where I could and would have marched.. May the momentum go on. It has to!

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  10. Excellent messages on these signs.

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  11. So inspiring to see so many marches around the world! Fascism must not prevail - especially when it comes under the guise of democracy...

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