Women's March 2019: Everything you need to know about this month's protest

On 21 January 2017, the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency, the world came together in protest at the Women’s March.

From Washington to Tokyo, Cape Town to Dublin, the collective turnout in the 600 marches across the globe smashed initial predictions and made it one of the largest protest gatherings in history.

But what originally began as an objection to the presidential inauguration, grew into a fight for women’s rights, gender equality, LGBT rights, workers rights, civil rights, immigrant rights and on and on.

It was a day of dedication and determination. And that determination hasn’t dissipated even now that a couple of years have passed.

In fact, if anything the desire to make a difference has merely grown.

This month, in what’s now become an annual tradition, another march is in the offing and it’s going to be equally as impacting.

Here’s everything you need to know about 2019’s Women’s March.

When is it?

The London Women’s March 2019 is taking place on Saturday 19 January. Starting at noon, those participating in the 2019 London Women’s March are going to be meeting at the BBC headquarters at Portland Place in Marylebone, W1A.

What’s the theme?

“This year’s march is themed around the classic demand of the women’s movement – bread and roses,” explains co-organiser Rachel Krengel.

“Under austerity women have suffered the loss of domestic violence services, children’s centres and a devastating reduction in welfare payments. We are taking to the streets to protest this.

Why ‘Bread and Roses’?

The phrase ‘bread and roses’ was originally used in a speech by American union leader Rose Schneiderman in 1911 during a rally fighting for female workers’ rights, who said that: “The worker must have bread, but she must have roses.”

What she meant by this was that women should be entitled to both bread (decent wages) and roses (dignified conditions).

Her words went on to became a defining phrase of the women’s suffrage movement, and have held significance ever since.

Those attending the march on 19 January are being asked to bring flowers in keeping with the theme and to signify new beginnings.

Who will be there?

Though the march is expected to be largely female-centric, people of all genders, ages, abilities, sexualities and ethnicities are invited to come along.

In addition to the thousands expected to attend, the event is also likely to draw in some high-profile participants.

British celebrities such as Emma Watson, Dame Helen Mirren and Charlotte Church have all showed their support in previous years.

This year’s speakers include Helen Pankhurst, women’s rights activist and great-granddaughter of suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst, Labour MP Dawn Butler and activist Munroe Bergdorf.

I can’t attend, how can I still show support?

By hitting up social media with the hashtag #WeAreChange.

According to the website this is:

(i) a PLEDGE to protect and serve each other with love, unity and solidarity;
(ii) a PROMISE to exercise our civic duty to vote in every circumstance that will shape a progressive society; and
(iii) a CONVICTION to call out any racism or form of phobia we see online and offline.

Why is it so important to keep marching?

“As long as inequality exists women must keep marching against it,” explains Rachel. “Every victory ever won by the woman’s movement was won through action, and we cannot and will not stop until every marginalisation and inequality is defeated.”

Where can I find more information?

You can find all details on the Women’s March London on the official website.

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