WORD Protests Outside the Debate at Hofstra University
Find a demonstration near you and get involved with the National Week of Action, Oct. 16-22
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WORD in action outside the Hofstra debate Find an action near you! |
On Oct. 16th, New York City WORD organizers kicked off the National Week of Action to Defend Women’s Rights with a lively and energetic protest outside of the presidential debate held at Hofstra University in Long Island, N.Y.
WORD organizers coordinated vans and cars to transport people from New York City to Hempstead, Long Island. Various student organizers also came out in support of women’s rights from Hofstra University, Stony Brook University and SUNY New Paltz, joining the demonstration along with many others.
The protest began with an empowering speak-out where various people addressed the attacks on women’s rights and explained why they were out protesting in front of the presidential debate. From inequality at the workplace, education cuts and unemployment, to healthcare access, abortion rights and LGBT equality, each speaker connected the issues affecting women and challenged all politicians running for office this election season to defend women’s rights by signing the Women’s Rights Pledge.
WORD organizer Karina Garcia told the crowd: “Last year, 96 anti-choice laws were passed while the Democratic Party was in office. We are out here today in front of the debates to tell both parties that women’s rights are not bargaining chips and that no matter who wins the elections this year, women’s rights are not up for debate. ...In my hand, I’m holding a very simple pledge and we challenge all politicians to sign it. The pledge states: ‘I pledge to never vote for any legislation that limits or restricts women’s rights to abortion or attempts to circumvent women’s full access to healthcare.’ Our question to all politicians is, will you or won’t you sign this pledge?”
The message was loud and clear: women’s rights are not up for debate. There was a common understanding among the women and their allies who attended the demonstration that there is a need for an organized movement to struggle and fight back against attacks on women’s rights and all manifestations of inequality.
The National Week of Action to Defend Women's Rights continues, Oct. 16-22.
“I pledge to never vote for any legislation that limits or restricts women’s right to abortion or attempts to circumvent women’s full access to healthcare.”
Get involved with the Oct. 16-22 Week of Action!
Find an action near you!
Friday, October 19
San Francisco, California
Powell & Market, 5:30 pm
Download flyer
View Facebook event
Saturday, October 20
Los Angeles, California
Wilshire & Western, 1 pm
Download flyer
View Facebook event
Saturday, October 20
New Haven, Connecticut
College & Chapel, 12 noon
Download flyer
View Facebook event
Saturday, October 20
Chicago, Illinois
Counter-protest: Stand up to anti-woman bigots!
Federal Plaza (Adams & Dearborn), 12 noon
View Facebook event
Monday, October 22
Outside the third Presidential Debate
Boca Raton, Florida
Gather at 7:00 pm
At the "Peace Corner" on Glades Road and St. Andrews Blvd.
March to Lynn University (site of the debate)
Download flyer
View Facebook event
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