YWCA MV Joined Citizen’s Action, Forward Mohawk Valley, Others for 2019 Utica Women’s March
YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) joined forces on Saturday with advocacy groups throughout the region to host the 2019 Women’s March in Utica. Hundreds of marchers braved the elements to show their support for the cause.
“We all need to band together and advocate for our own health and safety,” said YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato to kick off the march. “We can and will make change for our future.”
This year marked the third annual Women’s March, which began in Washington DC and rapidly became a national movement. The 2019 march came with a Women’s Wave Agenda, detailing 10 areas of focus for the coming year. Agenda items included racial justice, ending violence against women and femmes, immigrant rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
In her address, Stancato highlighted the success of last year’s march, and says she is looking forward to continuing that trend. This year’s agenda aligns closely with YWCA MV’s mission. Before making their way to Oneida Square, Stancato challenged everyone in attendance to continue in their fights beyond Saturday’s march.
“Let’s join together as a sisterhood with one, unified voice,” said Stancato. “We’ve already started, now we’ve just got to keep working together!”