Southborough residents are invited to a “Women’s March” this Saturday morning. The event is in Hopkinton Common, but organized as an “8th legislative district” event bringing together Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Westborough.
The gathering is timed for a day when Women’s March events are taking place across the country. The district event is characterized as non-partisan. And, while it encourages women to unite, it also welcomes all genders.
Given the location, I asked if participants would be marching or just holding a rally. I learned that following brief speeches, participants will be encouraged to march around the edge of the common. The plan is to march 8 times, once for each of the principles organizers are supporting. (Those principals are fully listed in the announcement below.)
The principals being touted reach beyond classic women’s rights to other rights including immigrant rights and environmental justice. A banner for the event highlights the philosophy:
Women’s Rights Are Human Rights Human Rights Are Women’s Rights
The image also encourages voting. On Facebook the Facebook event page, organizers write:
We have come a long way but there is still work to be done!
Did you know that October 17 is also the first day for early in-person voting? Join us on the Common, then cast your ballot at the Senior Center or drop box at Town Hall.
While they are likely referring to Hopkinton, Southborough’s early voting is at our Senior Center and we also have a drop box at our Town Hall.
A public invitation was shared by the office of one of the women who will be speaking, our district’s State Representative Carolyn Dykema.* She is one of a group of women from the district who is organizing the march.
Here are the details:
Women from across the 8th Middlesex legislative district will come together at a Women’s March on Hopkinton Common this Saturday, October 17, from 10-11:30am.
State Representative Carolyn Dykema will join women from the Holliston, Hopkinton, Southborough and Westborough at a ‘strength in unity’ event to speak up for eight essential principles that are the foundation of a more equitable and just world. Those principles are civil rights, disability rights, immigrant rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, workers’ rights, environmental justice, and ending violence. The March will include music and a brief speaking program.
The Hopkinton Women’s March will occur simultaneous to Women’s Marches happening in cities and towns across the US in support of women’s rights, human rights and social justice. This year, the March will celebrate the historic legacy of the recently passed Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, as well as celebrate 100 years of progress relative to women’s rights, equality, and political voice. In Massachusetts, the date also marks the first day of early voting.
This event is non-partisan and open to all, regardless of gender. Masks and social distancing are required to comply with public health guidelines. Only service dogs are permitted on the Common and parking will be available at Center School or on-street surrounding the Common.
The organizers ask that attendees be respectful of local businesses in the area. This is an outdoor event and will be held weather permitting.
As for the “weather permitting line”, there is a chance of rain that morning. On Facebook organizers clarify that they wouldn’t cancel plans for a little rain:
We are watching the weather closely, unless it is torrential the event will go on as planned. We will have some rain ponchos available if needed & or wear your own if needed.
We are strong women and together we march on.
To verify that morning, you can check their Facebook event for any changes.
*The invite was sent by a representative for Dykema’s campaign (not her legislative office). But stating that up above may have given the impression that she’s campaigning for office this fall. She is on the ballot, but unopposed.
(contributed image)
