BY KAREN BOSSICK
Young activists, advocates and leaders will take center stage at today’s virtual Idaho Womxn’s March as the focus turns on the future generation of leaders.
The march will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. It will be streamed live via Facebook Live, Instagram Live and YouTube Live because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s important to amplify the voices of young people who are playing a crucial role in determining the future of our communities, our democracy and our planet,” said Sam Sandmire, who is helping organize the virtual event. “Idaho’s first Women’s March was organized by two high school students, so we’re going back to our roots in focusing on youth.”
Speakers/Performers include:
- Fatuma Mnongerwa - former refugee, first generation college graduate and coordinator for the New American Voters Campaign
- Petra Hoffman - 15-year-old activist with Extinction Rebellion Boise, Climate Justice League and BABE VOTE
- Ali Rabe - youngest serving Idaho State Senator and executive director of Jesse Tree, a Treasure Valley nonprofit dedicated to preventing eviction and homelessness. Graduated from College of Idaho and William & Mary Law School and served as asylum and refugee officer for the Department of Homeland Security.
- Kaya Evans - senior political economy major serving as Executive Council member and in student government at College of Idaho. Academic advisor, school ambassador and captain of the Women’s Soccer Team.
- Keri Steneck – army combat veteran, Vice Chair of Idaho Veterans Wellness Center, VP of Idaho Female Veteran’s Network, former Fire Investigator and Bureau of Land Management firefighter, founder of Independent Idaho
- Rosina Machu – former refugee from Ethiopia, first time voter, senior leader on Boise High Cross-Country Team and volunteer with BABE VOTE
- Leta Neustader – arts educator, musician, actor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and creator/host of the radio show The Lovely Afro on Radio Boise
- Cheri Buckner-Web - former Idaho State Legislator, current College of Southern Idaho board member & Idaho icon.
Info/live streaming at:
In conjunction with the march, Women’s March Global’s Global Count team is opening the Global Count, one of the largest global mapping polls ever conducted to document the cultural, economic and social barriers to women’s progress.
Human rights authorities have declared that gender inequities are as bad today as they were 25 years ago.