In Their Own Words, Here's Why Women Are Striking Today

From ELLE

In New York City, hundreds of women and allies gathered at 5th Avenue and 59th Street, just a few blocks north of Trump Tower, for A Day Without A Woman. Organized by the women behind the Women's March on Washington, it was a day to strike from work, refuse to engage in the economy, and stand up for women and other victims of gender-based prejudice.

After speeches from organizers, the group rallied and chanted their way down Central Park South, toward Columbus Circle and in front of Trump International Hotel. There, cops arrested protesters, including the organizers, for civil disobedience (protesters are now gathering in front of the 7th precinct in Manhattan).

But while the demonstration was underway, ELLE.com took to the streets to ask women about why they were striking today. Here's what they had to say.

Ilana, 25: A few days after the election my mom called me, really concerned about the results. For my mom to feel that way stuck with me. She is a teacher, and couldn't strike today because she's administering a test, so I'm here for her.

Margaux, 24: These are the moments I'll tell my daughter about.

Laura, 26: Women's rights are human rights.

Gloria, 69: I believe in women's rights. I object to Congress and Mr. Trump trying to take away women's rights. I have a daughter and a granddaughter and I want to ensure their future. I also was a New York City teacher for 30 years, and I'm mad that Trump put DeVos in there. I'm against the wall too!

Sierra, 26 (with Cecilia, 14 months): I didn't need to strike today because I work for myself at Love Wild Design, which is women owned and independent. But I wanted to lead by example and show solidarity with all the women here.

Sheila, 65: I want to protect our rights as women. When one group is attacked, it makes it easier to attack everyone else.

Jackie, 48: It's important to be in solidarity with women all over the world. Our job gave us the day today and I'm really grateful.

Nadine, 52: I strike for women all over the world, and for my daughter and granddaughter.

Unice, 43: I'm here because I have sisters and daughters and I want gender equality.

Therese, 32: I feel that conversations about women's health, reproductive rights, and misogyny have been eliminated post-election, because there are so many other pressing issues, but I'm here because women's rights are still important and we need to keep the conversation going.

Sara Lynn, 32: We have a sexual predator in the White House, and women are still not equal in this country. We've come a long way, but white women still make 86 cents to the dollar a white man makes, and it's even lower for women of color. That's illegal shit.

You Might Also Like

• What ELLE's Fashion Department is Buying for Under $100 This Fall

• 7 Pairs of Shoes Worth Investing In

• 10 Holiday Gifts for Your BFF