Women’s issues highlighted in day of marches
The streets of El Paso have been ringing out with one topic today: women’s issues. The local March for Life and Women’s March were both held Saturday. Together they brought hundreds of people to downtown El Paso and it looks like the cold temps and winds didn’t stop anyone from marching.
The March for life kicked off Sunday’s events, hundreds of El Pasoans getting together to spread their pro-life message. Marchers we spoke with said it’s not only about getting rid of abortion, but offering help to those pregnant women who need it.
“Abortion is such a huge issue, but not just because it kills a baby, but because it harms the woman. Today we’re out here to support women, to show them that abortion is not your only way out,” said Gabriela Avila, the diocese’s Reverence for Life coordinator.
As the March for Life was ending downtown anther March was getting ready to start just a few miles up the street, the women’s march took off from UTEP and made their way downtown, marking this Sunday as a day of women’s issues in El Paso.
“It’s extremely important to have your voice hear. As we saw in the Alabama election, it’s just by a couple off points, especially with women leading that election. So we’re encouraging all women to go out and vote,” Raneem Karboji, one of the Women’s March organizers.
Thousands went down Oregon to San Jacinto Plaza, but it wasn’t just women. Men and children of all ages joined, with signs and chants promoting women’s and human rights. We even ran into mothers who brought the next generation with them.
“They are here, and this is their future.It’s important for them to be heard and to be seen, and for them to learn they’re going to have to fight,” Naomi Fertman said, pushing her two children forward on strollers.
Arriving at San Jacinto Plaza the marchers all stayed together, people took to the stage, speaking to the crowd about issues from domestic violence to reproductive rights. The post-march rally was cut short by the cold wind.
