ohio statehouse June

An Ohio women's march and rally will be held at the Ohio Statehouse the Sunday before the national Women's March on Washington, D.C.

(Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A march and rally for women's rights has been planned at the Ohio Statehouse the weekend before the National Women's March on Washington.

The national event began as a post-election protest planned to follow Donald Trump's inauguration. It has grown to inspire gatherings in most states and several countries.

Ohio coordinator Lindsey Shriver said more than 5,000 Ohio women and supporters plan to attend the D.C. march, but the Ohio "sister march" offers an opportunity for others to rally without traveling too far from home.

"There's nobody we don't want to come, whether their political affiliation, their gender -- anything," Shriver said. "We just ask that people know they're coming in the name of women's rights and they remain peaceful."

Shriver said most attending the march probably didn't vote for Trump but the event isn't an anti-Trump protest. It's a response to the misogynistic, hateful and discriminatory remarks made during the last election cycle, she said, and a way for people to find out how to become more politically involved in the future.

"This is a demonstration focused on positive issues instead of more negativity and hate," Shriver said.

Another march is being planned for Cincinnati on Jan. 21.

The Columbus march will begin at Broad Street and Washington Boulevard, just north of COSI at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. Participants will walk along Broad Street to the Ohio Statehouse.

Women who will not attend the national march will be able to pin their messages to the backs of those who are in a "pinning ceremony."

Afterward, at 3 p.m., participants can join the national Circle the City in Love event, a nonpartisan demonstration where participants hold hands in silence for 30 minutes in the name of love and peace. The first such event was held in Cleveland on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

In addition, state representatives and healthcare advocates are expected to speak about the need to protect and expand healthcare access, including access to abortions, at a "our first stand" rally at the nearby Sheraton hotel. Organizers added the event after Bernie Sanders and other Democratic leaders called for a "day of action" on Jan. 15 to push back on Republicans' plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The march and rally are free, but space is limited to 650 people for the event at the Sheraton. Tickets will be sold for a private meet-and-greet event with rally speakers, with proceeds benefitting transportation costs for national march attendees who cannot afford them.