GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Downtown Grand Junction saw a powerful display of solidarity on Saturday as residents gathered to mark International Women’s Day with a march focused on rights, representation, and healthcare access.
Voices Rise Before the March
The event kicked off at 11:30 a.m. with speeches from community leaders and activists. Organizers addressed a range of issues affecting women, from healthcare and workplace equality to broader concerns about representation and rights.
Mallory Martin, one of the event’s key organizers, said at least 100 people had RSVP’d online. By the time the march began, the crowd had swelled with supporters of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
A Community United
The march wasn’t just about policy—it was about people.
- Participants included families, students, and longtime activists.
- Signs carried messages about reproductive rights, gender equality, and fair wages.
- Chants echoed through downtown streets as marchers made their way toward the library.
For many, the event was more than just a demonstration; it was a chance to find connection.
“In times when things are so divisive, it can feel very lonely and isolating,” Martin said. “The community that builds around movements like this is so welcoming and beautiful—it’s heartwarming to see.”
The Importance of Being Heard
One of the event’s biggest messages was civic engagement.
Martin stressed that participation doesn’t end with a march. She urged people to stay involved by contacting their representatives, attending local meetings, and continuing conversations about the issues they care about.
“Our representatives need to hear about the things that matter to us,” she said. “If we’re staying silent because we think these topics are too controversial, then they don’t know where we stand.”
Looking Ahead
While this year’s Women’s March brought out a sizable crowd, organizers hope to see even more engagement in the future. Many attendees left energized, vowing to stay involved in local and national discussions on women’s rights.
As the march ended at the library, conversations continued—proof that for many, this wasn’t just a one-day event but part of a much larger movement.
