Santa Maria held their 5th Annual Women’s March

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- People gathered today at the Minami Community Center to participate in the 5th annual Women's March of Santa Maria Valley.

Advocates and volunteers say they stand together in solidarity with women across the country fighting for equal rights, equity rights, and reproductive rights.

Youth advocates Carlos Gonzalez and Karen Olvera say the march comes at a critical time after roe v. wade was overturned.

“Women should always be here to look at what to do with your body. That's your choice. And I and I love being a part of that. And I love representing that," said Olvera.

One of the first organizers of the Women’s March of Santa Maria Valley Pam Gates says this year they began by honoring the women who have been advocates in the community for decades. 

“You saw that we honored all of our four mothers who came way before us and hard work," said Gates.

Local volunteer Sara Macdonald says she is hopeful seeing a large turnout of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds march together for women's rights.

“Women's rights are human rights, and we all have to take our time to be able to remember that," said Macdonald.

Assemblyman Gregg Hart also spoke about gender equity at the Women's March rally. He says he and Senator Monique Limon are fighting for continuous change at the state capitol. 

Hart added, that California is leading the nation with women's reproductive rights.

“Representing the state of California. Right. This is, I think, one of the biggest in the nation who supports these kinds of movements. I've been hearing a lot of people coming from across the state to come to California. So just super proud to be here in the state of California," said Gonzalez.