UW Oshkosh is being represented in this weekend’s Women’s March on Washington by students Ali Christensen and Rachel Davis, with Christensen participating in the walk in Madison and Davis traveling to Washington D.C. for the walk.

There are currently 616 planned marches across the world, spanning six continents, including eight locations in Wisconsin.

Christensen said the presidential election left her feeling insulted and demonized.

“The Women’s March is a wakeup call to the new presidential administrative team and society- they cannot silence our voices,” Christensen said. “We are coming together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families.”

Christensen said she is going to Madison because she is terrified that the potential future of Women’s Rights and basic human rights are slowly dissolving before her.

“I have allowed that fear to manifest into passion,” Christensen said. “And I will use that passion to stand up for my rights as a woman and other’s basic human rights.”

UWO Women’s Center Director Alicia Johnson said the march is meant to build a collective voice about inequities that women and all of their intersecting identities experience.

“Some of the issues specifically outlined by the organizers include violence against women’s bodies, racial profiling, reproductive freedom, LGBTQIA rights, equal pay and equal access to clean water and clean air,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the spring semester is a great time for students and faculty on campus to take action on some of these issues.

“There will be many events hosted in honor of Black History Month, Women’s History Month, TransAction, Asian Heritage Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Social Justice Week,” Johnson said.

Christensen said after the march she hopes people can learn from it.

“Look back and take something from the experience,” Christensen said.