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Empowering voices: Regina’s women march defies the cold
On a frigid January day, the spirit of activism shone brightly as Regina hosted its ninth annual Women’s March. This event, part of a larger movement across North America, aims to advocate for women’s human rights, addressing critical issues such as healthcare reform, reproductive rights, and equality for LGBTQ2 and racial minorities.
The determination of the participants was palpable, even as temperatures plummeted below -30°C.
Marching for change
Despite the biting cold, a diverse crowd gathered in Regina’s Cathedral neighborhood, ready to march downtown. “Since 2017, this iteration of the women’s movement as part of the Women’s March has been active,” explained Krystal Kolodziejak, a community volunteer.
The march began in Washington, D.C., and has since become a staple in Regina since 2018. Kolodziejak emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “We’ve been one of the more active locations that continues to march every year and bring awareness to the issues that are impacting women and gender-diverse people in Regina and Saskatchewan.”
Solidarity across borders
The decision to hold the march in January was intentional, aligning with solidarity movements in the U.S. following Donald Trump’s re-election. Kolodziejak noted, “We wanted to be there in solidarity with the marches in the U.S., to be able to show our support given the changes they are going through and knowing that that can impact Canadians as well.” This connection highlights the shared struggles faced by women across borders, reinforcing the idea that activism knows no boundaries.
Continuing the tradition
In recent years, organizers had shifted the event to March to coincide with International Women’s Day. However, the return to January underscores a commitment to maintaining momentum in the fight for women’s rights. The march in Regina was not an isolated event; Saskatoon also witnessed a gathering, where participants walked from the WWCA Saskatoon to City Hospital and back, demonstrating a united front in advocating for change.
The resilience shown by the marchers in Regina serves as a powerful reminder that, regardless of the weather, the fight for equality and justice continues. As the movement grows, so does the hope for a future where women’s rights are universally recognized and upheld.
