On January 19, I went o the annual Women’s March with my eldest daughter and a long time friend. It was my first time participating and I thought it was very well attended. We attended the march in San Jose, California. I went because I wanted to add my voice to those who were there. I don’t often get political here on My Cup of Cocoa, but I want to share a few thoughts and experiences I had from the march.
Why did I go? Mainly, I wanted to use my rights as a citizen to say that the current state of things in my country, especially in regards to women and their rights, is not okay with me. I’m not someone who shouts her political views regularly. I hate the arguments and hostility I too often see on social media. Truthfully, I don’t like confrontation and I don’t want to cause hard feelings. But I feel strongly about protecting and supporting women in a world that too often does just the opposite. So when my friend invited us, I was happy to go.
A Diverse Community
What I liked best about the march was its diversity. All around us were people of different backgrounds, ages, and interests. I saw groups of teenage girls marching together. Likewise, there were seasoned ladies with grey hair and hilarious signs. I saw plenty of men and boys too. In fact, I saw lots of families marching together. One fun group called themselves the “Raging Grannies” and several members were in wheelchairs. Equally important, there were people of every skin tone and ethnic background I could think of.
The signs held were also incredibly diverse. I saw posters in a dozen languages. People shared concerns about gun control, healthcare, immigration, women’s rights, reproductive rights, children’s rights, the current government shutdown, and, of course, issues with our current president. Most were humorous.
A Celebration, Not a Protest
If you thought the Women’s March was about angry, bitter women, think again. The march seemed to me more of a celebration of what makes women great and a speaking out against what holds them back from being even greater. In fact, the Women’s March San Jose website states ” This is not a protest. The Women’s March is a celebration of human rights, unity and understanding, and is a march and a rally. ”
Everyone I saw was peaceful and encouraging of others. As we gathered at city hall, people took photos of each other’s signs. They smiled and welcomed one another. A woman came up to my daughter, complimented the artwork on her poster, and asked to take a photo. She came back a little later and gave her a homemade pin to wear.
When the time came to march, the large group was respectful. Police and organizers directed us through the downtown streets. I saw nothing but peaceful participants. We reached the end of the streets and entered into a park where a stage and booths were set up. This is where things got crowded and we decided after looking at a few booths that it was time to head out. Neither my daughter nor I do well is small, crowded places.
Celebrating the Power and Strength of Women
I left the march feeling inspired by the positivity and community I felt there. I also felt uplifted by the support the march showed for women in all walks of life. Previous to the march, I had heard some criticism regarding the lack of diversity in previous years. This was not my experience. In fact, I was so inspired that i came home and looked up quotes about strong women. Now I’m sharing them in hopes that my readers will feel uplifted too.
Here are the top ten strong women quotes I came up with. Please note this post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure page for details.
1. Here’s to strong women…
2. Sorry, not sorry. I admire Michelle Obama. She is definitely a strong woman.
3. Maya Angelou is so amazing. She is such an inspiration. Talk about a strong woman!
4. Have you read I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
? Malala Yousafza has such strength and dignity. She’s also a Nobel Prize winner.
? Malala Yousafza has such strength and dignity. She’s also a Nobel Prize winner.
5. W.E.B. DuBois might be a man, but he knew a the power of strong women.
6. Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese political leader, diplomat, author, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. She is also a very strong woman.
7. Ruth Bader Ginsberg looks so fragile and small, but don’t judge a book by its cover. She is an amazing woman with strength of character and will.
8. We become strong women, in part, by lifting and helping one another.
9. Kofi Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations for almost a decade. He was a strong proponent of equality through education and was also the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
10. After spending 27 years as a political prisoner in South Africa for his activist work against apartheid, Nelson Mandela was elected as the country’s first black president. He knew that freedom was not complete until it was had by everyone.
If you are a woman, I hope these quotes help you to feel empowered. As women, we have deep reservoirs of strength that we often overlook or even hide away. Don’t be afraid to show your strength. It is what helps us and our loved ones through difficult times. Never fall for the erroneous belief that we are the weaker sex. Life is tough, but so am I. I am not weak and neither are you.
If you are a man, I hope these quotes help you see how strong the women in your life are. Theirs is a strength and power that should be not only acknowledged, but celebrated. Having a strong woman in your life does not take away from your own strength. It enhances and increases it as you stand and work together in this life.
Here’s To Strong Women
I have been fortunate to know and associate with some truly amazing women in my life. Some have been teachers and mentors. Some have been family members. Others have been good friends. Some have been all three. I have been blessed by the strength of women in my life and I try to use my strengths to bless the lives of those around me.
As always, thank you for reading. I welcome your comments in the section provided below. Don’t forget to use the social media buttons to share.
