Why the women's marches were misconstrued

The worldwide demonstrations weren't about US president Donald Trump, says LeAnne Graves

Demonstrators near the White House during the Women's March. Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds / AFP

The women’s march held in Washington, DC on Sunday was not about Donald Trump: it was about much more than that.

My friend Robyn messaged on Saturday to say that she was participating in the march, wishing I was there to join. Originally from New Zealand, she’s been living in Alabama for four years and has always supported women’s rights. She said: “By the way, we’re not protesting against Trump or anything like that – it’s purely a march for equality and to stop violence against women.”

News headlines portrayed women taking to the streets in defiance of the new American president, but the reality is that this election only served to highlight a much larger issue.

“I’m annoyed with news sites that kept referring to this as an anti-Trump protest,” Robyn said later. “They could not have done a bigger disservice to the movement if they’d tried.”

Somewhere along the way, this entire movement has been misconstrued.

“I’m part of the problem for not fully understanding,” said an American female friend living in Dubai. “I understood it as ­anti-Trump women marching because of fear that women’s rights will be violated.”

I know other women who take to social media to discuss their disdain over these “feminist ideals”. The definition of feminism is simply advocating that women and men have equal rights and opportunities, but for some reason, over the past few years, the word has taken on a much darker meaning for many.

I was raised in Mississippi, considered one of the most conservative states in America, by parents who were born in 1933. Married at 19, my mother didn’t have to work but she chose to. This was her right and she exercised it, but that right doesn’t come without sacrifices.

Pat, a 53-year old educator, marched through Jackson, Mississippi state’s capital, to protest.

“I have been shushed and ignored in too many important conversations throughout my life and felt like I had nothing of value to contribute.

“I wanted to lend my voice and presence to give substance to the message ... that sexism is not OK, racism is not OK, xenophobia is not OK and discrimination against communities is not OK.”

Every woman, regardless of their position or appearance, has encountered discrimination. Some do not speak up for fear of repercussion or that their stance would be viewed as a tactic to get ahead of a colleague.

To be clear, I don’t feel that most men are out to purposefully put women down. I truly believe that many just don’t think of women.

I've been involved in several panels discussing the issues women face in business. At one recent event in Dubai, each female panellist started by regurgitating their CVs. Then they discussed getting more women involved and what we can bring to the table.

I know what I bring to the table. But the sad truth is, many times I’ve had to walk the line from outright inappropriate advances to being overlooked entirely. And I didn’t encounter this from just one person, one job or in one country. I also do not have any female friends who haven’t been placed in a difficult situation.

The fact is we have to speak up to be heard, but that doesn't mean you have to act like a man (whatever that is). You can make your voice heard and still retain your femininity.

Sunday’s march didn't just take place in the United States. It was a march replicated around the world. And it wasn't just for or by women. It included women and their allies, and represented a larger fight against discrimination that transcends gender.

Don’t blame discrimination if you don't fight for your rights. And know the added value that each person brings to the table, men and women.

Pat said: “There is a vital conversation about the future of the country I love and I will not be shushed any more.”

As for me, Mr Trump may be my president, but he doesn't define me. But again, this wasn’t about one man or one problem – discrimination is a global issue.​