SIPA Students at the Women's March: Why Seeples Protest, in Words and Pictures

Just after sunrise on January 20th, about 30 SIPA students gathered on the 4th floor of the International Affairs Building with their tools of change—colorful posters, sharpies, and glitter glue.

They represented student groups from across the SIPA community: Women in Peace and Security, Gender Policy Working Group, Spectrum, Latin American Student Association, SIPA Students of Color, and Women in Leadership.

Together, they were preparing to participate in the Women’s March 2018.

To many, this march was a symbol of continued resistance. The first Women's March was a worldwide protest on January 21, 2017, that advocated for legislation and policies regarding human rights, including women's rights, immigration reform, healthcare reform, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, racial equality, and freedom of religion. Most of the rallies were aimed at Donald Trump, immediately following his inauguration as President of the United States, largely due to his statements and positions that were regarded by many as anti-women or otherwise offensive.

A year later, that spirit lives on. The future policy makers, practitioners, researchers, and human rights defenders from SIPA joined forces to march again for what they believe in. Although they all advocate for women’s rights, their reasons and passions all different.

Here are their stories, in words and pictures:

Katherine Kirk (Left), Rocío Espinosa de los Monteros Hernandez, MPA (Middle), Laura McEown (Right)

“The Women’s March is an opportunity, one of many, to show that I care. As a Latin American, I think that women’s rights are a huge issue, particularly in my country, Mexico. There is a lot of violence against women that results in rape and murder... It’s important for me to express that I care, even though I am away from home.” - Rocio Espinosa de los Monteros Hernandez, MPA, Gender and Public Policy Specializer, President of SIPA Women in Leadership

Harmonie Kobanghe, MPA in Development Practice, President of Women in Peace and Security

“As a woman in a country where women’s rights to healthcare is being threatened on a daily basis, it’s important for us to stand up for our rights.”

Sukirti Vinayak, MPA in Economic and Political Development

Sign translation to English: Long Live the Revolution

“Most men continue to watch from the sidelines, advertently or inadvertently, while women are oppressed by “The Man”. Being at the march made me realize that to make this world a fairer place for women, we need to address it like we would approach climate change; it's not just a few people's job - everyone has to pitch in.”

Warda Saleem, MPA in Economic and Policy Management

“This march is important for me because I grew up watching my mother fight against the society. My mother was widowed at the age of 25. Everyone, including her own family, abandoned her because being widowed was a taboo. Although she was alone, she fought and stood up for me and my siblings. She made coming to SIPA possible for me; she changed my life. I want every women like my mom to know that they’re strong.”

Kier Joy, MIA in Economic and Political Development

“I’m here to support and validate queer women and queer women of color. A big reason why gay men are oppressed is because of their association with femininity, which many heterosexual people believe to be negative. I want to dispel the negative connotation of femininity, not only to help the gay community, but also to help all women in general.”

Saumya Deva, MPA, Advocacy Chair of SIPA Gender Policy Working Group

“I’m here to represent all the Indian American women at SIPA who do not feel represented. Growing up in the United States, I often felt excluded and fetishized. My mom and my dad are both immigrants from India who underwent an arranged marriage; I hope I do not have to face an arranged marriage myself. I’m here for all the first generation Americans who have to keep fighting for their identities.”

Jenice Ogle, MPA in Human Rights Policy

“I am a woman of color, and people who look like me are underrepresented in politics and government. We haven’t been given our fair share here yet in the United States. But above all, I am here today because I am an American. America is supposed to stand for freedom and equality, and I’m here to do my part to help bring America to that place.”

Katy Swartz, MPA (Left) and Katherine Kirk, MIA (Right)

“As far as we have come, there is always a threat of backsliding. We still have a lot of work to do to have full equality for everyone. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe that we, as future policy leaders, need to address these issues in and out of SIPA.” - Katy Swartz, MPA in Economic and Political Development, Vice President of Spectrum, Treasurer of Gender Policy Working Group

“Women are yet to achieve full rights in this country, but those who are complacent turn a blind eye to inequalities that women, not just white women or cisgendered women but all women of color and transgender sisters, face… we are here to fight against the administration that clearly isn’t making women’s rights a priority. Right now, women make up only 19% of the congress, even though we are 51% of the population. Until women get out and vote, and until men vote for women, we will not be represented.” - Katherine Kirk, MIA in International Security Policy, Career and Alumni Chair of SIPA Women In Leadership