A GROUP of concerned Durbanites marched to the US Consulate this morning in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington.
According to Alice Thomson, following Donald Trump’s inauguration as the new president of the United States on 21 January 2017, more than 200 progressive organisations signed on to march in protest along with support marches in 281 cities in 30 countries today.
“Here in Durban we invited people and organisations to join the Durban Women’s March. We wish to express our outrage against the incoming administration of the US for its violation of women’s rights, climate denialism and racism. We are marching for women’s rights, for immigrant and minority rights, for the right to a clean and healthy environment and a stable climate,” she said.
The group gathered at King Dinizulu Park and marched down Dr Pixley Kaseme Street to the US consulate where they handed over a memorandum to a representative.
Women from various organisations were given the opportunity to give short messages of solidarity.
Vanessa Black from the Durban Women’s March team explained what the new US administration means for South Africa and Africa.
She said Africa was likely to be the continent most affected by climate change with huge impacts on water and food security. This is a crisis which Africa – with the world’s lowest emissions – has done the least to cause.
“In order to mitigate the consequences of climate change for Africa, an international effort is required that includes the US as the world’s highest emitter of greenhouse gases. However, the new administration intends to increase investments in fossil fuels, pull out of the Paris climate change agreement and cut federal climate change programmes,” she said.
Black said there are concerns that the new US administration will increase the militarisation of Africa and scrap the AGOA trade deal designed to give Africa easier access to US markets.
“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health and our families – recognising that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country,” she said.
Human rights activist, Saydoon Sayed, said she had seen what Trump has done and the comments he has made about women during his campaign and the fact his administration is 80 per cent made up of men is telling.
“I am pleased to be here today as I am actively involved in issues in our country and look at how we can address challenges. We are the voice for the voiceless here today,” she said.
