The Rally for Women’s Rights, sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) and held on Sunday, March 26 at the gazebo on the Oval, laid out a variety of messages about advocacy and working together for change.
The two-hour event was organized andmoderatedbyLWV studentmember Nishna Makala, who founded a student chapter of the organization at Livingston High School.
“We really truly never walk alone,” said Makala. “I think that it’s also important that we not only have to make a change, but we have to be the change, and be the change by voting and making a difference in the polls.” She pointed to a nearby voter registration booth manned by LWV officers.
In collaboration with the League, the Livingston Committee for Disabilities and Inclusion (LCDI) honored four Livingston women: Essex County Commissioner Pat Sebold; Judith Friedman, longtime president of the LWV; Pamela Chirls, a longtime member of the Board of Education; and Ronnie Konner; a former longtime member of the Board of Education.
LCDI members provided details about the honorees, who were recognized with citations by the Mayor and members of the Council.
“Never before has it been so important for all of us to take a stand to ensure that women’s rights are guaranteed and celebrated,” said Konner in a statement provided by her daughter. “We are entitledto make our own decisions about our physical and mental well being, our rights, and equal pay for equal work.”
Sebold reflected that her work as a commissioner involves helping people; and Friedman used the opportunity to publicize a program the League will sponsor on April 29 for people who are interested in running for office.
“I believe that teaching young people to understand how our society works, and how each of us contributes to the general well being of the community, is crucial,” Chirls said. “Our goal should never be to teach children what to think, but how to think... I encourage you to pick the one thing and dedicate yourself to it, whether as a quiet advocate or a vocal activist.”
Larisa Mendez Downes, an advocate for Planned Parenthood, encouraged the audience to continue “the work that never ends.” She continued, “It’s demanding to fight for bodily autonomy, for laws that make it easier to access health care and not guns.”
In a video message, Representative Mikie Sherrill noted that “having women at the table is meaningful and important… keep fighting for women’s rights.”
Additional speakers included Miriam Grodin of Inner Voices, the LHS literary magazine; who read a feminist poem; LHS student Emma Wang, who introduced the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical “Carousel;” Hannah Davidson of the Body PositiveAlliance, who said that “what you look like should never define you;” Jenna Raiss from the Women in Business Club, which seeks to provide opportunities for women in business; and juniorAndrea Li, who discussed sisterhood and feminist politics. “Feminism is for everybody,” Li said.
