Accra Women’s March, showing up for solidarity

When I showed up to the Accra Women’s March, the first thing I thought was, “Damn, so many white people.” To be honest, I kind of expected that. This was, after all, one of the sister marches set up to show solidarity with thousands of people marching in Washington DC and other parts of the US. Also, the main organiser in Accra is an American lady. Even my white friend who attended the march remarked, “It’s so white!” when she showed up.

I had some reservations about attending, mainly thanks to a few articles I’d read. These are article by African American feminists who argued that the march being organised in DC wasn’t inclusive, especially of women of colour. However, hearing that efforts had been made to make the march more inclusive and it had become way more than an anti-Trump march (not that I have any issues with an anti-Trump march), I hoped the same would be true of the Accra march.

I also had to ask myself: I will happyily march for the rights of people tens of thousands of miles away from me but would they march for me? Maybe not but I dediced to not let that stop me. Another thought I had: I haven't marched for Ghanaian issues or Zambian issues so why should I attend this America-centric event? In the end I chose empathy and solidarity. The main march may have been organised a world away but I support the cause and while geography matters, it would not be my only consideration.

The march was organised in record time. Held on Saturday 21 January, the main organiser decided to make something happen on Monday and somehow pulled it off. Our meeting point was just outside the US embassy. I showed up ready to march in my Chuck Taylors but it turns out, we didn’t actually march. We had a permit to gather but not march. Perhaps, a result of having little time to plan but all things considered, a lot was done in only five days. What we did do was talk about why we were there. My inarticulate self was chosen first. I said I was there out of empathy, for human rights including women’s rights and LGBTQIA rights and for people persecuted for their religion or lack of it. 

These are just some of the reasons people gave for showing up:

I just don’t get racism
- Teenage girl of mixed heritage

The US is better than this

- Referring to Trump being elected US president

Climate justice

For my children

To show Trump we’re here and we’re gonna be watching

No human should be termed illegal

For my children and grandchildren

Silence is agreement

To support my wife and daughter
- A Ghanaian man married to an American woman. His wife and daughter were marching in the US and since he couldn't be with them, marching in Accra was the next best thing.

We’re still the majority

The American president is influential and having Trump in office legitimises prejudice

We can stop Trump

Empowerment of women helps everyone

Standing Rock and native rights

Black Lives Matter

My son who wants to go back
- African American woman living in Ghana. Her son wants to return to the US but she fears for his life especially in light of recent cases of police brutality.

Maternal health

Reproductive rights

Ultimately, I’m glad I went. It was great to be among like minded people and be reminded that I'm not alone. While the setting was "so white" ultimately there was diversity. A diversity of reasons people showed up, a mix of nationalities and men who turned up to support women. Our group of over 100 people had representation from the US, Ghana, Canada, Ethiopia, Senegal and Zambia, among others.