Women, men, and children all gathered on Saturday Jan. 19 to participate in The Women’s March 2019. The event took place in San Jacinto Plaza and countless participants marched through the streets of downtown El Paso with their picket signs in the air.

“I think it’s part of our civic duty to come out and support events like these,” Harmony Academy of Science senior Sarah Salado said. “I look forward to being more involved in the community.”

The event is meant to take a stand against sexism, racism, transphobia or any other form of discrimination through a feminist lens. Various presenters gave their testimonies regarding prejudice and intersectional feminism.

One speaker, 21-year-old Raneem Karboji, described how her experiences as a Mexican-Arab -American, Muslim woman have affected her both positively and negatively.

“My culture has empowered me to understand that diversity is our strength,” Karboji said.

People of all genders and ages made it out to the march. Mothers and fathers carried babies and teens walked with their dogs all in support of equality.

One man that garnered a lot of attention was former U.S. Congressman Beto O’Rourke who participated in the march alongside his wife, Amy Sanders-O’Rourke.

“I’ve never been more inspired by young people than I am right now,” O’Rourke said. “They’re the leaders, not tomorrow, but right now at this moment.”

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