Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo join other communities around the country holding Women’s Marches

SANTA MARIA, Calif.-

Hundreds gathered to honor and celebrate women at the nationwide Women's March in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo. The participants voiced concerns about the injustices women still face.

“The United States has not yet passed an equal rights amendment,” said Santa Maria Councilwomen Gloria Soto.

Santa Maria held its 2nd annual march.

“As a woman of color, as a Planned Parent employee, I know the importance of making sure we have policies that protect equality and a woman's right to choose,” said Soto.

Several non-profit social justice organizations attended the events.

“We are here supporting justice for everyone,” said Anthony Loverde who was at the march as a representative of House of Pride and Equality.

SLO celebrated its 4th annual Women's March at Michell Park.

“People are really concerned about some really important issues. Like climate crisis, issues around immigration, racism, and misogyny. And all these interrelated issues,” said San Luis Obispo Mayor
Heidi Harmon.

Many at the march were not just advocates for women but for all people who have faced adversity.

“We have all of these people coming together, they are not just for women they are for the LGBT community, health care, housing, all these things that really matter to us,” said Santa Maria Women's March representative Juliana Neel.

“This is an event not only about what we don’t want but also about taking a stand for what we do want,” said Mayor Harmon.

Santa Maria marchers traveled from Enos Drive to Broadway before turning north to Stowell Road.
Their theme this year was “because we refused to be silenced.”

“There are still so many injustices that minority groups face, including women,” said Neel.

“As women we shouldn't be fighting for our rights. We should have that already,” said Santa Maria resident Anna Rodriguez.