Na Wahine for Women’s Rights: March on the Water

Na Wahine for Women’s Rights took their march to the water with a group paddle at Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor on the Big Island on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8 a.m., joining a large crowd in Washington D.C. and many others in cities across the country and around the world.

This local event was held for those unable to travel to Washington D.C., but instead, “we will march in solidarity with the Women’s March on Washington here in Kawaihae,” according to actionnetwork.org.

Pat Allbee organized the event at Kawaihae Harbor and spoke at the event.

“We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health and our families—recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country,” the site said. “The rhetoric of the past election cycle has insulted, demonized and threatened many of us—women, immigrants of all statuses, those with diverse religious faiths particularly Muslim, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, the economically impoverished and survivors of sexual assault.

“We are confronted with the question of how to move forward in the face of national and international concern and fear,” the site said. “In the spirit of democracy and honoring the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us, we join in diversity to show our presence in numbers is too great to ignore.  We call on all defenders of human rights to join us.

Organizers intend that the Women’s March will send a bold message to the new administration on their first day in office, and to the world, that women’s rights are human rights.

“We stand together, recognizing that defending the most marginalized among us is defending all of us,” the site said.

Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Suez Shannon (left) and Madeleine Turner (right). Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Lisa Shattuck, Linda Gallano, Pat Allbee and Doc Shay (steering). Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Suze Shannon and Sarah Shannon. Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.

Na Wahine for Women’s Rights courtesy photo.