Thousands at US women's march stress rights
Published: 04:11 PM,Nov 03,2024 | EDITED : 08:11 PM,Nov 03,2024
People look through a selection of buttons during the National Women's March in Washington, DC. — AFP
WASHINGTON: Thousands of women descended on Washington in a passionate show of support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and her calls for access to reproductive health care. The Vice-President has made women's rights a central plank of her White House bid against Republican Donald Trump, and the issue came up constantly among demonstrators at the annual Women's March.
Other signs had slogans like 'Voting prevents unwanted presidencies' and 'A woman's place is in the Oval Office.' Organisers estimated turnout was about 15,000 people. Other US cities hosted sister marches. With the dome of the US Capitol as the backdrop, speakers at Freedom Plaza whipped up support for 60-year-old Harris. 'We're not going back!' the crowd chanted, repeating one of Harris's campaign slogans. Retiree Marlene Wagner, 70, came from Nebraska, saying she was joining 'for my grandkids and my children because I fear for their future.'
A few counter-protesters accused Harris of being a 'baby killer,' though their voices were largely drowned out. Trump is 'very dangerous' and 'dismisses women,' said 66-year-old Abby Cohen of New York, standing near a Planned Parenthood booth. 'I hope that all women vote for Harris,' she said, adding: 'But I also hope that all men vote for Harris.' — AFP
Other signs had slogans like 'Voting prevents unwanted presidencies' and 'A woman's place is in the Oval Office.' Organisers estimated turnout was about 15,000 people. Other US cities hosted sister marches. With the dome of the US Capitol as the backdrop, speakers at Freedom Plaza whipped up support for 60-year-old Harris. 'We're not going back!' the crowd chanted, repeating one of Harris's campaign slogans. Retiree Marlene Wagner, 70, came from Nebraska, saying she was joining 'for my grandkids and my children because I fear for their future.'
A few counter-protesters accused Harris of being a 'baby killer,' though their voices were largely drowned out. Trump is 'very dangerous' and 'dismisses women,' said 66-year-old Abby Cohen of New York, standing near a Planned Parenthood booth. 'I hope that all women vote for Harris,' she said, adding: 'But I also hope that all men vote for Harris.' — AFP