Many Americans participated in Women’s March events across the country this weekend and Arizona was no exception. Thousands of activists surrounded the State Capitol on Jan. 21 in Phoenix.
Local activists banded together, carrying signs such as “men of quality do not fear equality” and “a woman’s place is in office.”
Nelleke van Savooyen is an immigrant from the Netherlands. She said this is more than just a women’s issue.
"I’m always concerned for women’s rights,” van Savooyen said. “But I’m concerned for human rights. I’m concerned for the immigrants, the DACA, having these children come here and not being able to stay, even though they haven’t ever lived in Mexico or wherever they came from."
The Women’s March featured speakers from Planned Parenthood, the LGBTQ community and a DREAMer. Thousands of men, women and children cheered as they talked about their concerns in the current political climate.
Activist Robert Johnson attended the event. He said he came to show his support for groups that are different than his own.
"As a white hetero cisgendered male, using my white hetero privilege, to stand up for the rights of those groups,” Johnson said. “So that they can have some progress and be able to hopefully, eventually enjoy the same privileges that I do."
