Three Sri Lankan women share their experiences 

Women were at the fore when they were joined by men and children as they participated in a series of marches across the world in protest against Donald Trump assuming the mantle as America's new President. News estimates that over 2.5 million women took to the streets to march against Trump. From the USA to across the pond in London thousands turned out to walk in the marches to show their solidarity for each other. While we Sri Lankans watched a historic day which will be spoken about for years to come unfold, Life Online spoke to three Sri Lankan women in the US who joined the marches. 

Gishani Ratnayake, a photographer and adrenaline junkie joined the march in Boston. Not one to usually attend rallies the recent political events compelled her to stand up for women's rights, violence and sexual harrasment against women and equality. "Women make up more than 50% of the population in the US and its time the scales were balanced. The march in Boston was attended by over 175,000 men women and children of all races. The energy was festive, positive and hopeful with everyone supporting equality for women and women's rights. The streets were packed and you could hardly move, but everyone was so respectful and civilised. That says a lot about what we can achieve as a nation if we come together. I feel hopeful that together we can make a difference. The most memorable sight at the march was seen old people and young standing in solidarity asking for a more loving, safe and inclusive future for all of us." Does she believe the march will make a difference? "I believe that when people feel strongly about an issue, they speak up. This march brought out an unprecedented amout of people not just around the US but around the world. The first step is for people to admit there is a problem and now that we have done that I think we can work on bringing about change. I felt proud to have taken a stand as this march was history in the making." 

Fashion designer Radhika Perera Hernandez who has been living in New York after moving there from the UK was another Sri Lankan who attended the march in New York. Radhika who feels strongly about the change in political leadership in the US explained "That man, isn't my president. He doesn't value people as equal, he spews hate and fear. He doesn't even care about the planet or the future of our children, so I will do my part to resist in anyway I can until he is out of office and the country is governed my someone I can respect again. How did we go from a man as honorable as Barack Obama to an individual who sexually assault women and then brags about it? The day Trump was inaugurated I refused to turn the TV on. I refused to have any part in it, to give them my ratings, but at the same time I felt useless and frustrated at home, what was the point in complaining if I didn't take action during such an important time. That's why I decided to join the march. I went with a handful of girlfriends, my sisterhood here in New York. The energy was electric, from the moment I boarded my train in Westchester, NY there was such an atmosphere of unity. I felt hopeful again, seeing so many people who felt like me, who shared my opinion and who were willing to be brave and peacefully protest made me so proud to be part of this great city. The march itself was momentous, 300,000 people of all different walks of life uniting to protest this one individual. It was like nothing I have ever witnessed. It was only the first step, we can only make a difference if we continue the good fight" 

Samantha De Silva, a World Bank employee who has served in some of the most dangerous and volatile countries in the world is one who has always stood up for feminist causes. Having moved to the US in the early 80s she has over the years experienced many of the issues what women have fought for such as women's right to choose, equal pay, rights if immigrant woman and many more. Living in DC Samantha joined the Washington march with her niece and other friends who had come in from New York. "I live within walking distance from the White House so we walked down 16th Street. The crowd was so huge that we only got to the front because we got there early. By afternoon, we couldn't have left even if we had wanted to... it was a sea of pink hats! Yesterday's march, however was not about one particular issue. There were women (and men) from all political parties, ages, ethnicities, social classes, fighting for a certain set of values and beliefs which they believe this country stands for. The atmosphere of the march was a Absolutely exhilarating and inspiring! There is a real sense of solidarity at women's marches and this was no exception. It is also heartwarming to see young girls marching - just as enthused as their mothers and their grandmothers! I have lived in this country for over 30 years now and I'm very, very proud to be a Sri Lankan American partly because of these kinds of events - you really witness democracy in action. The fact that one day after the inauguration half a million women can march peacefully on the Capitol steps is a real credit to this country. Americans take their democracy very seriously - it's not just a word. The fact that people can mobilize, be counted and effect change is a very powerful concept and one in which the Americans truly believe. I think in no uncertain terms this march demonstrated that women will stand up for what they believe in and fight against what they don't. And that's very powerful - the idea that women won't take things lying down. However, as Michael Moore said, it is very important that the march does not end here... we cannot simply go back to our daily lives. We have to work hard to support the causes that we believe in, women have to run for office - we have to stand up and be counted. Most importantly we have to support each other."