People rally in Montpelier for women’s rights

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Women and men gathered on the State House lawn Saturday for the Vermont Women’s Rally.

“Really angers me, we shouldn’t be here. We should not have to do this. But I am proud to be here, I was here once before,” Nancy Atherton of Burlington said.

Nancy Atherton and Kingsley Poulin were just two of the thousands of women crowding the State House lawn for the Vermont Women’s Rally.

They both say they are fighting for women’s reproductive rights, and they can’t believe they are doing it again in 2024.

“With daughters and grand daughters its important. It is really important to stand up for what we believe. Being here again is really sad,” Poulin said.

The event is was one of hundreds held across the country, in an effort to rally for equal rights, much like the rally in 2017, one day after the inauguration of former President Donald Trump.

Over 2,000 women and men showed up to hear 15 speakers like Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark, and Vermont’s only woman Governor, Madeleine Kunin.

And many women say, they have mixed feelings about the future.

“I got to be honest with you, I am a little nervous. But I am excited because this could be a really big time of change. So new found power to groups I haven’t seen before. I think could make a huge difference,” Rosalee Howell of Elmore said.

Speakers shared their thoughts on reproductive rights, gender equality, racial rights, economic opportunity and affordable healthcare.

“Stick up for women’s reproductive rights. For peaceful expression of opinion. For the future of my daughters, my granddaughters, my nieces, and every other female in this country,” Sheila Duranleau of Washington said.

After the rally was over, some decided to march in groups to share their support.

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