The Women’s Initiative Gathering will host the Hilo Women’s March and Gathering, in support of the Women’s March on Washington on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017.

The event will be held at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand in Downtown Hilo at 329 Kamehameha Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the march beginning at 11:30 a.m. It will include guest speakers and informational booths from various community organizations.

The Women’s Initiative Gathering aims to facilitate collaboration by bringing community resources together to educate and raise awareness regarding concerns, issues, and resources available to women and marginalized groups.

Attendees will walk the sidewalks of Hilo together in solidarity with the Sister Marches happening across the country. At least 100 Sister Marches are planned in every state, including five in Hawai‘i, along with events as far away as Geneva, London, Melbourne, Oslo, Rome, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna, and Zurich.

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This movement began when Teresa Shook, from Maui, took to Facebook the night after the election and began inviting friends to join her in a march on Washington. She awoke the next day to over 40,000 people interested in the event.

The Women’s March on Washington is aiming to represent women and people who identify as women, from all backgrounds, races, religions, ages, and abilities. The Hilo Women’s March and Gathering is a family-friendly event and attendees are encouraged to bring their families.

Prospective attendees and those interested in volunteering or hosting an informational booth can visit​ ​here and visit Facebook at the Women’s March on Washington – Hilo page to learn more. In addition, those interested in receiving updates can email [email protected] and ask to be added to the mailing list. Donations can be made at here.

“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.” –​ ​www.womensmarch.com