Rabat in Solidarity with Women’s March in Washington

By Amira El Masaiti

Rabat – A diverse group of people gathered at the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat on Saturday to demonstrate solidarity with the Women’s Global March.

Originating in Washington DC, concern regarding the misogynistic views of newly-elected president Donald Trump led to the organization of the Women’s Global March protesting sexism and misogyny.

Rabat for Washington: Women’s Global March — Photo by Christiana Sohnn

As news of the march disseminated around the world, many countries joined in as an act of solidarity.

Devi Leiper O’Malley and Christiana Sohnn, two American citizens living in Rabat, organized the event, designed to bring Moroccans and Americans together to participate, share and express concerns about growing problem of anti-feminism around the world.

Organizers of the event and its participants hoped to convey to people marching in Washington that there exists a system of support both in Morocco and around the globe.

The event was initially introduced on Facebook and quickly gained popularity with a supportive group of the Women’s Global March in Morocco. Both men and women, American and Moroccan, began expressing interest in the event.

“I believe that this is a shared space. The Moroccans who came believe in the same values that the March is trying to demonstrate. They have these principles themselves, and they should be able to express their concerns,” Christiana Sohnn said.

The event began with a walk and a discussion about the feminist art exhibit at the Mohamad VI Museum, a perfect fit considering the gathering. Participants then poured into the streets of Rabat.

A discussion on the repression and sexism that resonated in Donald Trump’s speeches throughout the election took place in a café to wrap the day’s agenda. It emphasized the need for immediate change and a global awareness of the necessity for equality between the sexes.

O’Malley expressed the idea that the fight for equality must not end with the ending of the event. “As the Women’s Global March says, this is not one moment. There are many people who already work tirelessly to fight against oppression and inequality in their communities.”

The women’ march ceased to be an American affair only. It reach out into virtually every corner of the world, where the fight for justice and egalitarianism is universal.