The second annual Women’s March of Ajijic brought together a multi-national crowd of nearly 400 people united in promoting tolerance and equal rights for all, regardless of gender, race, nationality and personal beliefs.
The demonstration started at the town plaza, where participants joined in song, holding up signs inscribed with slogans in favor of progressive ideals. Keynote speaker Janice Kimball made a special appeal for tolerance. Referring to the U.S president as a “dragon” who enflames anger to empower this base, she stated, “His strategy is to outrage us, to keep us making jokes and throwing stones. We must remember that every time we make fun of this man we are also making fun of those who believe his lies, the very people we want to listen to our plea of reason.”
Inspired by her words, the marchers set off along Calle Colón, en route to a short rally at the waterfront Malecón under escort of a Chapala traffic department patrol.
Closing remarks and poetry recited by Susa Silvermarie echoed common sentiments.
“We declare that women’s rights are human rights, and we connect to all other progressive movements-for racial equality, for protection of the natural environment, for gay rights, immigration reform, for healthcare reform, to dismantle the war machine, and for multiple other progressive causes. As women, we bind the movements into one resilient strand.”