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'We're not in this alone': Australians joining the anti-Trump Women's March on Washington

Josephine Tovey
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Less than 24 hours after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States, a couple of women in America, fearful and angry about what that would portend, put out the call on social media for a women's protest, and soon began planning what will soon be the first major demonstration of his presidency.

Among those who saw the rapidly spreading call-out was Claire Fitzsimmons, who describes the new president as a sexist and a con-man. She was sad, frustrated and helpless in the wake of his victory, but was also feeling ready to take action.

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Women will rally at the Women's March in Washington to draw attention to women's rights in the wake of Donald Trump's controversial recorded comments about grabbing women's genitals.

"There's only so many online petitions I can sign and reposts I can do until you just have to get out there and do something about it," Fitzsimmons, who is originally from Byron Bay but now lives in New York, told Fairfax Media this week. "This is a small way I feel like I can do it."

On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend what has since been named the Women's March on Washington, a demonstration that will take place on the same hallowed ground in the US Capitol where hundreds of thousands of others will celebrate Trump's inauguration on Friday.

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According to the organisers – a diverse and multigenerational coalition of activists that includes veterans like Gloria Steinem - the march aims to make clear to the new government on day one that "women's rights are human rights". It's platform includes a call for LGTB rights, voting rights and action on climate change.

Among the marchers in Washington will be many Australian women who have made the United States their second home.

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Marina Cukeric, 32, also remembers that palpable sense of shock and sadness in New York City in the days after the election.

"I actually remember embracing a stranger on the subway platform, who was really, really upset," Cukeric, a freelance film producer from Sydney, said.

This weekend, she's joining a huge exodus of people carpooling, getting on buses and trains and making their way to DC to attend the march. 

"I think it's wonderful to redirect that energy, and talk and connect with other people and remember we're not in this alone."

Asked about their motivations for going and what they opposed about Trump, the women Fairfax Media spoke to cited a mix of revulsion at the record of the new president himself – the notorious bragging that he can grab women "by the pussy", the multiple allegations of sexual harassment and the demeaning language he uses to talk about women – as well as policies of the incoming administration they believe will imperil many women's rights and freedoms – defunding reproductive healthcare provider Planned Parenthood, working to overturn Roe v Wade and the Affordable Care Act, mass deportation of immigrant families and the mooted Muslim registry.

Hannah Collins, 30, from Adelaide, said she is going not just to stand up for American women but to send a message around the world.

"America leads the world in so many ways and I just don't want other countries to think that this is an appropriate way to treat for half of the population. It's not just standing up for women's right in America, but women's rights everywhere."

Others who live close to DC say they're also marching for all those who share their fears and concerns but can't be there.

"I think as Australians we feel very powerless," says Brooke Lucas, 39, who runs her own business in New York. "It really affects us but we don't have any right to change it. So I sort of feel that responsibility – I'm here, I'm on the ground, I can actually do something."

While the organisers have obtained a permit for 200, 000 attendees, there is speculation the turnout could be much greater – with four times as many bus parking permits (at least 1200) obtained for the march compared to the inauguration the day before (393), according to local media. There are also more than 600 'Sister Marches' planned for other cities across America and the world.

On the day, activists and representatives from community groups and churches will speak along high profile artists, including Janelle Monae and the Indigo Girls. Beyonce endorsed the march on Thursday, while a growing list of celebrities have pledged to attend informally, including Jennifer Lawrence, Cher and JJ Abrams. 

For Lucas, the knowledge that Trump doesn't take criticism or opposition lightly strengthened her resolve: "He's going to look at the numbers and it's going to really hit him," she says. "I can't wait to see his tweets about it."

Organising the march has not been without moments of tension, pointing to the challenges ahead for the motley array of groups and individuals who oppose the Trump administration. These include a public dispute this week between an anti-abortion feminist group who wanted to partner with the event and the pro-choice organisers (organisers eventually said no).

The bigger challenge ahead though, will be of course what happens after Saturday - can Trump's critics maintain this rage and turn it into something truly effective?

The march, for many those involved, is seen as a first, not final, step.

Fleur Childs, 34, has had two children with her Australian partner since moving to the United States seven years ago, and will be attending with a group of friends.

"I have no idea what the march itself will achieve – who could?" she says.

"But I look forward to telling my sons about that time we came close to the brink, and that their parents did something."

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