The Women's March: movement or moment?

Was it a moment or a movement? The Women’s March that took a nation, and the world, this past January is starting to lose momentum. Millions of women came together in one day to support each other in having their voices be heard by the oppressive powers that be. Mr. Trump became a focus for many protesters, while others carried signs about abortion or the right to one’s body. Some signs represented those less accepted, like the LGBTQ community and Black women. Amongst the shouts, signs, and statements the question remained in the air: will this be a movement or a moment?

Courtesy of the Women's March

In the months since the March, it has proven to have become a moment. This is not to say that there is no hope for this initiative. The power behind the movement was stronger than any one person could imagine. Many do not want to admit to said power. Nevertheless, there is still hope for a movement, but it cannot grow with the conditions it’s currently in. This is why.

According to the Chicago Tribune, in Chicago alone, almost half a million people flooded the streets for the Women’s March. Only a thousand protestors marched for the Trans Liberation March a few months later. This is where the movement falters and reduces to a single moment. The lack of support and participation for others fighting against the same oppressive force is crippling. 
Courtesy of KCTS 9, Rudy Espinoza 
The theory of Transnational Feminism advocates for the acceptance of the transgender, minority, LGBTQ, and lower-class communities. Feminism is no longer an ideal for the privileged women of America. This is what the Women’s March truly represented, according to their Unity Principals. In truth, this latest wave of Feminism is focused on saving all aspects of humanity.
Courtesy of New York Times, Kevin Banatte
The March did not represent this. Many took it as a protest against Trump, which is valid but only to an extent. Other’s took it as a way of participating in change but were never present at other movements of this age like the Black Lives Matter or Clean Water Movements. Some give the argument that many protestors that came out to the March were new to the movement, and even protesting in general. While it was heart-warming to see everyone from small children to grandparents join in making history, the lasting drive behind the march was lost. 

Hopefully, this moment will become a movement again. This is all still possible, but it will take an immense dedication from each participant to put their differences aside and come together as one feminist front.

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