What the Women's March really tells us about equality

"Continue to embrace the things that make you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. You are enough. And whenever you feel in doubt, whenever you want to give up, you must always remember to choose freedom over fear." - Janelle Monae, Women's March 22.1.2017

3.3 million people from around the world gathered together on Saturday to protest that "women's right are human rights." Given the fact that less than 100 years ago women couldn't even vote, it would suggest that this huge turn out indicates progression. After all, not only women, but also men and children of all ages united in a collective recognition for gender equality at the march.

Anyone growing up in the latter part of last century is likely to acknowledge female equality almost as a given. Like water coming out of a tap; expected.

Unfortunately, the reality is not so clear cut.

"I take it very personally when I man says it's ok to grab an unwilling pussy" said Dana LeMarr during the protest. As well as being a scurrilous invasion of basic human rights, what does this say for the future of the female?

Regardless of how you define it, the feeling behind the march was a unanimous desire to offer a "way forward" in female equality. In particular, to draw attention to often misrepresented groups such as racial minorities and lesbians. But as LeMarr emphasises, overriding male dominance is still an everyday occurrence. Can it really be true that even in the twenty-first century, we are still being denied parity?

Despite what many may think, this march was not a raging feminist drive prompted by excessive hormonal fluctuations. Instead, it is a call to readdress the meaning of equality and continue to fight against assaults on female dignity and rights.

What I took most of all from this, was the need to prevent ourselves from being dragged back into past submission. Instead we need to look to the future and continue to be agents of progression, uniting as a collective voice for society.

#opinion