A march and rally were held in Kingston on Sunday in honour of International Women’s Day. About a hundred Kingstonians marched from Skeleton park to City Hall to raise awareness for marginalized working women in the community.
“Seeing people from all walks of life, we saw people from trans families, from CUPE, from all different groups and I really think that’s inspiring,” attendee Jonathan Shephard said.
READ MORE: Canadian women’s empowerment in the workforce leads International Women’s Day
Kingston joined cities around the world to recognize International Women’s Day.
There was also a lineup of passionate speakers that spoke at the rally just before the march began.
The goal of the event was to celebrate the progress that’s been made, and facilitate important discussions about what needs to happen, moving forward.
“Looking at the numbers, we have particularly direct progress between having a march and huge policy change. However, I think it’s important as a community that we have conversations so that we highlight the work that is being done,” event organizer Sam Connolly said.
Organizers hope the march inspires others to take action, and push for social change, especially when it comes to marginalized communities.
Connolly is also using the event to urge government leaders to get involved in the fight for equality.
“I’d like to see more support from city and municipal leaders. I’d like to see our MPP Sophie Kiwala take stronger stands towards fighting for minimum wage.”
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The event was inspired by the first ever women’s day rally that was held in New York in 1909. This is the second time this rally and march took place in Kingston.
READ MORE: Canadian women’s empowerment in the workforce leads International Women’s Day