The excitement of Thursday’s historic day for women in Congress is extending to the upcoming Women’s March “Truth to Power” in San Luis Obispo later this month.
More than 100 women now make up the 116th Congress. Thirty years ago, there were 16 female Democrats and 13 Republicans in office. Now there are 89 female Democrats and still 13 Republicans.
“You know it means so much to me that people like us are finally running for office and we’re winning,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and the first Palestinian American woman member of the House.
Despite the success, only about 25 percent of national representation is by women.
“We need to keep working,” said Dawn Addis, Women’s March San Luis Obispo lead organizer. “And it is one of the big reasons why we want to come out in January is to keep the momentum going and to keep getting people involved.”
Addis says the Women’s March efforts are directly related to the success at the ballot box, including locally.
“First woman elected in Paso Robles in 34 years, now three mayors in San Luis Obispo County when there was only one before. And when we look at city and county leadership, we don’t have a majority of women, we don’t have parity yet, so there is still work to be done in our county and we’re here to do it.”
A peek at social media shows not everyone, including women, are on board with the march itself. Addis says those negative opinions won’t stop progress.
“There’s a lot of work to do, but there is a lot to be inspired by,” she said.
The event starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 in Mitchell Park. The march will begin at 10 a.m. through blocked off streets in San Luis Obispo.
You can learn more information on how to volunteer or donate at WomensMarchSLO.com or on social media @WomensMarchSLO.
